Symptoms that may need assessment
- A weak, thin or interrupted urine stream
- Having to wait before the stream starts
- Waking two or more times at night to pass urine
- Passing urine often, or with sudden urgency
- A feeling that the bladder has not fully emptied
- Dribbling at the end of passing urine
How it is assessed
Assessment starts with your symptoms, medical history and examination. Tests may include a symptom score (IPSS), urine tests, ultrasound to assess prostate size and urine remaining after passing urine, and uroflowmetry to measure the urine stream. A PSA blood test may be discussed where appropriate. PSA can be raised by prostate enlargement, inflammation or cancer, and cannot diagnose or rule out cancer on its own. Further tests depend on your findings and risk.
How it is treated
Mild symptoms may only need monitoring and advice on fluids and evening habits. Medicines may help relax the prostate or reduce its size. Surgery may be considered when symptoms remain troublesome or complications develop, such as urine retention, recurrent infection or kidney problems. Endoscopic surgery through the urine passage is one option. The appropriate approach depends on your assessment, prostate size and overall health.
Related treatments
