Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition among older men characterized by an enlarged prostate gland. Prostate gland enlargement blocks the flow of urine from the bladder, leading to further complications, such as urinary tract infection or kidney problems.
To determine if you have BPH, consulting an expert in urology in Tucson, Arizona is necessary. A physician will begin by asking detailed questions regarding your symptoms before conducting a physical exam. The initial exam to diagnose BPH typically consists of:
- Urine and blood test – A blood test determines if you have any kidney problems while a urine test rules out infection and other underlying conditions that cause similar symptoms.
- Digital rectal exam – For this method, a physician will insert their finger into the rectum to determine if the prostate is enlarged.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test – This test determines your PSA levels and whether an increase of PSA levels is due to BPH or other factors, including infection, prostate cancer, or recent surgical procedures.
Additionally, an expert in men’s health in Arizona may also recommend additional tests to confirm if you have BPH. This includes a urinary flow test, postvoid residual volume test, and a 24-hour voiding diary. If your condition is more complex, further testing may be recommended. This includes cystoscopy, prostate biopsy, transrectal ultrasound, and urodynamic and pressure-flow studies.
BPH can be a threat to your reproductive health and overall well-being. Hence, treatment consists of medication and minimally invasive therapy or surgery. Your treatment will vary depending on age, health, amount of discomfort, and the size of your prostate.
To learn which treatment is best, get in touch with Choi Urology, a leading expert in men’s health and ED in Tucson, Arizona.
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