Digital Rectal Exam. Due to the natural position of the prostate gland, an enlargement may be felt through the wall of the rectum. Your physician will insert a gloved finger into the rectum in order to assess the size and condition of the prostate gland.
Urinalysis. With a urine sample, the laboratory can test for infections or other problems. This is a simple way to rule out bladder infection and bladder cancer, which can cause similar symptoms.
Prostate Specific Antigen Test (PSA). Similar to a urinalysis, the PSA monitors the level of prostate-specific antigen in a patient's blood. Through a routine blood draw, this test can be used to check for prostate cancer and an enlarged prostate. Additionally, a man’s PSA may actually be an indicator of whether or not he is at risk for continued prostate enlargement.
Urodynamic Tests. Urodynamics are a group of diagnostic tests done to evaluate the performance of the lower urinary tract. Measuring bladder pressure and urinary flow, these tests investigate problems such as urine control, urinary frequency or urgency, poor bladder emptying, and intermittent urination. A low flow and high pressure usually indicate obstruction to the urinary outlet.
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