How to prepare for a video visit about Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Audience: adult

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition where the prostate gland grows larger, often causing urinary symptoms in adult men. Preparing for a video visit about BPH can help you get the most from your appointment. During the visit, you can discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any concerns with your healthcare provider. Telemedicine allows you to receive guidance and education without needing to travel. However, it cannot replace physical exams or certain tests that may be necessary. This guide will help you prepare for your video visit, understand what telemedicine can and cannot do for BPH, recognize urgent symptoms, and know what to expect after your appointment.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden inability to urinate (urinary retention) requiring emergency care
• Blood in urine (visible hematuria) needing urgent evaluation
• Fever with chills indicating possible infection

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing urinary symptoms and their impact
• Reviewing medical history and current medications
• Providing education about BPH and lifestyle advice
• Prescribing or adjusting medications based on symptoms and history
• Planning follow-up care and referrals

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams such as digital rectal exam
• Conducting urine or blood tests
• Diagnosing complications requiring imaging or surgery
• Managing severe or emergency symptoms

What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. It often affects men as they age and can cause symptoms like frequent urination, difficulty starting to urinate, weak urine flow, or feeling that the bladder is not fully empty. Understanding these symptoms helps you communicate clearly with your healthcare provider during your video visit.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

Before your appointment, write down your symptoms, including when they started and how they affect your daily life. List any medications, supplements, or herbal products you take. Prepare questions you want to ask. Choose a quiet, private place with good internet connection for the video call. Have a pen and paper ready to take notes.

What Telemedicine Can and Cannot Do for BPH

Telemedicine can help your provider understand your symptoms, review your medical history, and suggest next steps like lifestyle changes or medications. It is useful for follow-up visits and discussing test results. However, telemedicine cannot perform a physical exam, such as a digital rectal exam, or conduct urine or blood tests. You may need an in-person visit for these assessments.

Red Flags: When to Seek Immediate Care

Contact emergency services or seek urgent in-person care if you experience:

These symptoms require prompt medical attention beyond telemedicine.

After Your Video Visit: Next Steps

Your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes, prescribe medications, or refer you for tests or an in-person exam. Follow their instructions carefully. Keep track of any new or worsening symptoms and schedule follow-up appointments as advised. If you have questions after the visit, contact your provider promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your urinary symptoms, including when they started and how severe they are
• Write down all medications, supplements, and herbal products you use
• Prepare any questions or concerns you want to discuss
• Choose a quiet, private place with good internet connection for your video visit
• Have a pen and paper ready to take notes during the appointment

After your tele-visit

• Follow any medication or lifestyle advice given during the visit
• Schedule any recommended tests or in-person exams promptly
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or new concerns
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or new red flags appear
• Attend follow-up appointments as advised

FAQs

What symptoms of BPH should I mention during my video visit?

Mention any changes in your urination, such as needing to go more often, difficulty starting or stopping, weak flow, or feeling your bladder is not empty. Also, note if you have pain or blood in your urine.

Can my doctor diagnose BPH during a video visit?

Your doctor can discuss your symptoms and medical history but cannot perform a physical exam or tests needed to confirm BPH. They may recommend an in-person visit for diagnosis.

What should I do if I cannot urinate suddenly?

This is an emergency. Seek immediate in-person medical care or go to the nearest emergency department.

Will I need tests for BPH?

Often, tests like urine analysis, blood tests, or ultrasound are needed. Your provider will guide you on when and where to get these done.

Can lifestyle changes help with BPH symptoms?

Yes, reducing fluid intake before bedtime, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and practicing bladder training may help. Your provider can give personalized advice.

Sources

1. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Diagnosis and Treatment — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have urgent symptoms or concerns, please seek immediate medical attention.