Diagnosing BPH in its earlier stages can lower the risk of developing complications. Delay can lead to: incontinence, kidney damage, bladder damage, urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and the inability to pass urine at all. Your BWFH/BWH urologist may complete the following diagnostic tests:
- Medical and physical examination
- Prostate specific antigen (PSA), a blood test to screen for prostate cancer
- Urinary cytology, a urine test to screen for bladder cancer
- Measurement of post-void residual volume (PVR), the amount of urine left in the bladder after urinating
- Uroflowmetry, or urine flow study, the measurement of how fast urine flows. A reduced flow may suggest BPH.
- Cystoscopy, examination of the urethra and/or bladder using a small flexible scope
- Urodynamic pressure-flow study, a test of the pressures inside the bladder during urination
- Ultrasound of the kidney or the prostate to view the enlargement