Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
When To Call a Doctor
Call your doctor immediately if:
- You are completely unable to urinate.
- Urination is painful and you have a fever over 38°C (100°F), chills, or body aches.
- You have pain in the lower back, just below your rib cage (flank pain), that is not related to an injury or physical effort.
- There is blood or pus in your urine.
Call your doctor if you have painful urination and any of the following signs of a possible urinary tract infection or prostate infection that last longer than 24 hours:
- A burning sensation while urinating
- Painful ejaculation
- Problems controlling your urination during the day or at night
Call your doctor if you have frequent urination problems that have developed over a few weeks or a few months.
Watchful Waiting
If urinary symptoms are minor and not bothersome, and you do not have prostate cancer or a prostate infection, it may be appropriate to try watchful waiting or home treatment. Call a health professional if you develop any of the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks.
Who To See
Mild and moderate urinary symptoms that are caused by BPH can be evaluated and treated by your family doctor, general practitioner, or a nurse practitioner. You may be referred to a urologist.
If the symptoms are severe or if surgical treatment is being considered, you probably need to see a urologist.
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment
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| Author: | Douglas Dana Ralph Poore | Last Updated: August 30, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine J. Curtis Nickel, MD, FRCSC - Urology Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology/Oncology | |
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