According to Consult Urologist and prostate expert, Mr Christopher Eden, BPH is extremely common. 35% of men over the age of 40 in the UK experience urinary problems because of prostate enlargement. This percentage increases as men age. For men over the age of 65, 60% will have BPH to some degree.

How is BPH diagnosed? Diagnosing prostate enlargement

In most cases, the first step to diagnosing prostate enlargement is a visit with a GP. Almost all GPs will see cases of prostate enlargement regularly and in most circumstances will ask a series of questions from a checklist and score the patient’s answers.

Tests for BPH

Symptoms of prostate enlargement are very similar to the symptoms of prostate cancer. The following tests are used to rule out prostate cancer and other conditions, leaving a diagnosis of BPH:

- Urine tests are used to see if there is a bladder or kidney infection¹
- Rectel examinations are used to examine the prostate gland for hard lumps - a sign of prostate cancer
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a blood test measuring the level of prostate-specific antigen proteins in the blood. PSA levels are likely to be raised for people suffering with BPH, whereas people with prostate cancer will have high levels of PSA¹
- Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) is an ultrasound placed in the rectum to provide an image of the prostate and can rule out prostate cancer¹
- Intravenous urography (IVU) is an x-ray detailing the kidneys, bladder and urinary tract and is used to rule out any blockages¹

A full diagnosis of BPH can only be made looking at a biopsy of prostate tissue under a microscope. In most circumstances, if prostate cancer and other conditions have been ruled out then it is assumed that BPH is the diagnosis.

Mr Christopher Eden
Consultant Urologist

References:
1. NHS Choices – Prostate Enlargement diagnosis. Date last updated: 13.07.2011. Website:
www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Prostate-enlargement/Pages/Diagnosis.aspx