You might have several different tests to find out whether you
have an enlarged prostate. You may not have all of these. Your GP
may do some of these tests, but you might also need to visit a
doctor who specialises in urinary problems (a urologist) or a
specialist nurse at the hospital.Some of these tests are described
below.
- Your GP may ask you about your symptoms and how they are
affecting your life.
- You might have a urine test to check for infection.
- A blood test might be done to check your kidneys are working
properly.
- You may be offered a prostate specific
antigen (PSA) test.
- Your GP might do a physical examination, including a digital
rectal examination (DRE).
- You might be asked to urinate into a machine to measure the
speed of your urine flow. Men with an enlarged prostate tend to
have a slower speed of urine flow than men who don't.
- Your doctor may examine your stomach area using an ultrasound
scan. This will build up a picture of your bladder on a screen and
help the doctor work out whether your bladder is emptying
properly.
Depending on the results of these tests, you may have further
tests to find out what is causing your symptoms.
You can read more about how an enlarged prostate is diagnosed in
our booklet, Enlarged prostate: A guide to diagnosis and
treatment.