Arkansas Urology
Q.
I have been having issues with urinating, getting up a lot at night to go and just going to the bathroom frequently in general. My internet research seems to point towards an enlarged prostate as one of the possible problems. I am hesitant to come in to be tested. I am not sure what to expect. How invasive will the testing be?
A.
The symptoms you have described are grouped into a category we call lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). LUTS can certainly be caused by an enlarged prostate. Prostate enlargement is common and can affect as many as 50 percent of men over 50 years old. As the prostate grows, it squeezes down on the urethra which causes a blockage to urine flow. This can lead to the symptoms you are describing. However, other conditions do present these types of symptoms as well.
Basic testing can include a urine test, a prostate exam and a blood draw. Once prostate cancer is reasonably ruled out, the evaluation can proceed with a focus on an enlarged prostate. While there are a number of tests that can be performed, one of the initial tests that could be done is the UroCuff®. The UroCuff® is a non-invasive option offered at Arkansas Urology.
This is basically a flow test that shows your urologist how well your bladder is functioning. During the test you will be asked to urinate into a specially calibrated machine (a flow meter). It is important to understand that the data that is gathered from this test is only one part of the evaluation. Additional testing may be eventually needed. However, the UroCuff® is a reasonable non-invasive starting point.
In summary, the symptoms you are having could be caused by a large prostate which is pressing on the urethra and/or a bladder that is not functioning properly. It is important for your urologist to be able to assess both the prostate and the bladder in order to determine the treatment that is best tailored to your particular condition.
While it is normal to feel anxious, please rest assured that you are not alone. This is a common condition that is treatable. Long term bladder obstruction can lead to irreversible bladder damage. Schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider at Arkansas Urology today.
Dr. Edwin Diaz Arkansas Urology
1300 Centerview Drive Little Rock, AR 72211 Toll Free 800-255-1762 Local 501-219-8900 www.arkansasurology.com