Overview:
This is what is referred to as an enlarged prostate. Your prostate is a walnut sized gland that wraps around the urethra. It's main function is to produce fluid for semen. When it becomes enlarged, it squeezes the urethra, making it difficult to urinate.
Symptoms:
- Frequency
- Incontinence
- Nocturia (Urination during the night)
- Bladder pain, or pain during urination
- Leaking
- Hesitancy (difficulty starting)
- Slow Stream
Possible Diagnostic Tests:
- PSA Testing: A test that measures the amount of prostatic-specific antigen in your blood.
- Digital Rectal Exam: An exam the doctor performs by inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to check for abnormalities.
- Cystoscopy: Looking into the bladder and urethra using a small fiber optic instrument, called a cystoscope.
- CT Urogram: A CT scan of the kidneys, bladder, and ureters.
- Uroflow test: This measures the force and flow of the urine.
- Post void residual: The amount of urine retained in the bladder after urination, checked by ultrasound.
