There are a number of ways that your doctor may use to investigate whether or not you have BPH. These include:
Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)
This examination is usually the first test done. The doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum and feels the part of the prostate next to the rectum. This examination gives the doctor a general idea of the size and condition of the gland.
Urine Sample
Your doctor may wish you to provide a urine sample to check if you have a urinary infection, which could be caused by the obstruction to your bladder emptying.
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test
To rule out cancer as a cause of urinary symptoms, your doctor may recommend a blood test. PSA, a protein produced by prostate cells, is frequently present at elevated levels in the blood of men who have prostate cancer, but can also be a feature of people with BPH. PSA can leak through the walls of the prostate into the blood stream when they are weakened due to tumours or other causes.
As part of the blood test, your doctor may also check for kidney problems by testing for a substance called creatinine, which is present in the kidneys.
Urine Flow Study
Your doctor may ask you to urinate into a special device that measures how quickly the urine is flowing. A reduction in urinary flow is often associated with prostate enlargement.
Ultrasound
Your doctor may take an ultrasound scan to get a picture of the amount of urine in your bladder and of the prostate. It involves passing a probe emitting ultrasound waves over your abdomen.
Trans-Rectal Ultrasound Scan (TRUS)
In some cases, in order to get a better picture, you may be asked to undertake a trans-rectal ultrasound scan. This involves the insertion of a probe into the rectum to direct the sound waves right into the prostate and obtain an image of it.
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