Investigations for prostate enlargement, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), typically involve several steps to assess the condition. Common investigations include:
Medical History and Symptoms Review: Discussing symptoms like urinary frequency, urgency, and weak urine flow with a healthcare provider.
Physical Examination: A digital rectal exam (DRE) to assess the size of the prostate and check for abnormalities.
Urinalysis: A urine test to check for signs of infection or other urinary issues.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: A blood test measuring PSA levels, which can help rule out prostate cancer or monitor BPH.
Ultrasound: A transrectal ultrasound may be performed to visualize the prostate and assess its size.
Uroflowmetry: This test measures the flow rate of urine to evaluate how well urine is being expelled.
Post-Void Residual (PVR) Measurement: This test determines how much urine remains in the bladder after urination, indicating potential obstruction.
Cystoscopy: In some cases, a thin tube with a camera may be inserted into the urethra to visualize the bladder and prostate.