Symptoms of prostate enlargement can include frequency of urination, slow stream, waking up at night to urinate, and double-voiding. Symptoms can occur suddenly, or increase slowly over time. If symptoms are significant and not treated, this can lead to bladder or even kidney damage. Part of a prostate evaluation also includes making sure there is no sign of cancer. The initial evaluation will usually be non-invasive to see if a treatment such as medication is suggested or observation is appropriate. This evaluation includes a PSA blood test and a digital prostate exam.
If treatment more extensive than medication is necessary a number of treatment choices are available such as Greenlight Laser treatment, bipolar prostate resection, or Urolift. Each of these may be more appropriate for an individual patient.
Another issue with respect to prostate health is screening. Screening is when you test for a disease even if you have no symptoms. Health care providers use the PSA test and digital rectal examination (DRE), to screen for prostate cancer. They advise both for early detection.
The American Urological Association (AUA) recommends talking with your health care provider about if you should be screened and when. When prostate cancer screening is underutilized patients present with cancer in more advanced stages, but decisions about screening can be individual ones and should be decided between you and your physician.