Urine retention and strain on the bladder can lead to urinary tract infections, bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones, and incontinence. If the bladder is permanently damaged, treatment for BPH may be ineffective. When BPH is found in its earlier stages, there is a lower risk of developing such complications. You may first notice symptoms of BPH yourself, or your doctor may find that your prostate is enlarged during a routine checkup. When BPH is suspected, you may be referred to a urologist - a doctor who specialises in problems of the urinary tract and the male reproductive system.
Several tests help the doctor identify the problem and decide whether surgery is needed.
The tests vary from patient to patient, but the following are the most common. This exam 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 exam gives the doctor a general idea of the size and condition of the gland. In order to rule out cancer as a cause of urinary symptoms, your doctor may recommend a PSA blood test.