Almost all men will experience one type of prostate problem with approximately half of all men suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (a swollen prostate) by the time they reach the age of 60 and nearly ninety percent getting the problem by the time they reach the age of 80 years of age.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a benign or non-malignant swelling of the prostate and can usually be treated using medication or with minor minimally invasive surgery. However, the first step is to verify that the problem is in fact benign prostatic hyperplasia rather than another problem, such as problems with the bladder or kidneys or an infection of the urinary tract.

Whilst checking for an enlarged prostate it is also very important to look for prostate cancer as, although a swollen prostate does not result in prostate cancer, it is possible for a swollen prostate and prostate cancer to be found together.

Initial testing will generally mean a prostate examination, or digital rectal exam, along with an evaluation of the symptoms reported by the patient and his medical history. As the prostate lies between the bladder and the rectum it is an easy matter for a doctor to put a gloved finger into the rectum while the patient is lying on his side to inspect the prostate for signs of swelling or abnormality. This is perhaps not the most agreeable of procedures but is more embarrassing than painful.

It is also possible for you to do your own prostate exam or for a partner to carry this out for you on a regular basis. Indeed, an increasing number of men find that this reasonably simple self examination may be undertaken fairly easily every once in a while whilst taking a shower. This examination provides a great deal of peace of mind and can also allow any swelling to be detected at a very early stage so that treatment can be carried out.

The doctor might also request a series of laboratory tests at this stage. These tests might include a blood test to look at PSA levels, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine together with a urine test.

Prostate specific antigen is present in the blood and is specific to the prostate with levels being raised a bit in the case of an enlarged prostate and markedly in response to prostate cancer.

Other tests are designed to point up the presence of an infection of the urinary tract or problems with the kidneys, both of which can cause symptoms which are similar to the symptoms experienced in cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

In some cases your doctor may also request further tests such as an ultrasound examination which can determine the size of the prostate and measure the volume of urine in the bladder, or a cystoscopy (an examination undertaken with a thin and flexible scope) to determine the condition of the bladder and urethra.

If none of these tests produce conclusive results the doctor may request a prostate biopsy in which several tiny tissue samples are taken from the prostate for microscopic inspection.

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