What to expect from a GP consultation for benign prostatic hyperplasia

Expect questions about a weak or interrupted stream, hesitancy, urgency, night-time urination, leakage, and the feeling that your bladder has not emptied. The GP may ask about fluid intake, constipation, diabetes, previous urinary problems, and medicines that affect urination. An examination can include your abdomen and, if appropriate, a rectal examination to assess the prostate. A urine sample and blood tests may be discussed to look for infection, kidney problems, or other explanations.

Keep a short bladder diary showing drinks, toilet visits, night-time waking, urgency, and leakage. Bring your medicines, including non-prescription products, and mention whether symptoms are changing. Your GP may suggest reducing evening drinks, limiting bladder irritants, treating constipation, or starting medicine. Treatment depends on symptom burden, examination findings, other health conditions, and your preferences; ask what benefit and side effects to expect and when the plan will be reviewed.

Seek urgent medical help if you cannot pass urine, have severe lower abdominal pain, or see blood in your urine with clots or worsening pain. Fever, chills, back or side pain, and painful urination can indicate an infection needing prompt assessment. Do not wait for a routine review if these symptoms appear.

Ask which tests are appropriate, whether your medicines could be contributing, how to monitor the urinary pattern, and what symptoms require urgent help. Discuss the pros and cons of watchful follow-up, medicine, and referral, including how treatment might affect sexual function or blood pressure.