When should I see a doctor?
Having an enlarged prostate alone isn't a life-threatening issue. In many cases, an enlarged prostate requires no treatment at all. But BPH symptoms can affect your quality of life. You should see a doctor whenever you feel the symptoms are bothering you.However, you should see a doctor immediately if you:
- Are unable to urinate
- Experience pain or burning while urinating
- Have blood in your urine
- These may be indicators of a more serious problem.
How do I choose a doctor?
If you suspect you have symptoms of BPH and want to see a doctor, a good place to start is your Primary Care Physician or family doctor. They can help you make the right choices. Often, they'll send you to a urologist in your area.What is a urologist?
Holmium Laser Treatment is performed by a Urologist. A urologist is a doctor who specializes in conditions of the male and female urinary systems and the male reproductive system.What you can expect on your first visit to the Urologist
You will be asked to complete new patient paperwork. The urologist will ask you to describe your symptoms, their severity and frequency. In preparation for your initial visit to the urologist review visit checklist.Your doctor may administer some or all of these tests :
- Physical Exam, including a digital rectal exam (DRE) to check the size and firmness of the prostate
- Urine Analysis and Urine Culture
- Uroflowmetry
- Ultrasound- creates a visual image of the size and structure of internal organs
- Cystourethroscopy
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)
You may want to have a discussion around the various treatment alternatives and the next steps most appropriate for you. Your review of enlarged prostate, the different treatment options available and knowing your goals for your treatment can help this discussion.
