It is typical for physicians to first gather a detailed medical history to determine the severity of the symptoms and diagnose benign prostatic hyperplasia. A physical examination, such as a digital rectal exam (DRE) which enables physicians to asses the size and shape of the prostate, is essential for proper diagnosis. A DRE procedure involves a doctor inserting a finger into the rectum and feeling the prostate gland to detect an enlarged prostate. This procedure also helps to detect prostate cancer.
Other tests include:
Urine Analysis – can detect infections, prostatitis, cystitis, urinary tract infection and other conditions
Prostatic Specific Antigen (PSA) test – a blood test that examines the level of PSA in the bloodstream
Uroflow – measures the strength and the amount of urine flow over time
Ultrasound – the use of sound waves to estimate the size of the prostate, detect tumor and other problems such as kidney obstruction and kidney stones
Cystoscopy – a small tube with lens is inserted through the opening of the urethra through the penis under local anesthesia