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

Audience: pediatric

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition that usually affects older males, where the prostate gland becomes enlarged. It is very uncommon in children and adolescents. If you are a pediatric patient or caregiver preparing for a video visit about BPH, it is important to understand what to expect and how to get ready. This guide will help you gather your medical history, prepare questions, and know what signs need urgent care. Telemedicine can be a helpful way to discuss symptoms and management options with a healthcare provider, but it cannot replace in-person exams or urgent treatments if needed. Being prepared will help you make the most of your video visit and ensure your concerns are addressed safely and clearly.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Cannot urinate at all (urinary retention) — seek emergency care immediately.
• Severe pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area — contact emergency services.
• Fever with urinary symptoms (possible infection) — get urgent medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and medical history related to urinary issues.
• Providing education about BPH and possible causes of symptoms.
• Advising on when to seek in-person care or urgent treatment.
• Reviewing test results and adjusting treatment plans if appropriate.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a physical exam or prostate examination.
• Diagnosing conditions that require imaging or lab tests without in-person assessment.
• Treating emergencies such as urinary retention or infections needing immediate care.
• Performing procedures or surgeries.

What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

BPH is a condition where the prostate gland grows larger than normal. The prostate is a small gland in males that helps make some of the fluid in semen. BPH is common in older men and can cause problems with urination, such as needing to go often or having trouble starting to pee. It is very rare in children and teenagers, so if you are a young person, your doctor may want to check for other causes of urinary symptoms.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your video visit, gather information about your symptoms. Write down how often you urinate, if you have pain or burning, if you have trouble starting or stopping urine flow, or if you notice blood in your urine. Also, note any medicines or supplements you take. Prepare a list of questions you want to ask your healthcare provider. Find a quiet, private space with good internet connection for the visit. Have a family member or caregiver nearby if you need help.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may ask about your urinary habits, pain, or other health issues. Because BPH is rare in young people, your provider might consider other causes. They cannot perform a physical exam over video, so they may recommend an in-person visit or tests like urine tests or imaging if needed. The provider will discuss possible next steps and treatments based on your symptoms.

When to Seek Urgent Care

Some symptoms require immediate medical attention. If you experience severe pain, inability to urinate at all, blood in your urine, fever with urinary symptoms, or sudden worsening of symptoms, seek emergency care right away. These signs may indicate serious problems that need prompt treatment.

Follow-Up and Aftercare

After your video visit, follow your provider’s instructions carefully. This may include scheduling an in-person exam, getting lab tests, or starting medications. Keep track of your symptoms and report any changes. If your symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, private place with good internet for the video visit.
• Write down your urinary symptoms: frequency, pain, difficulty urinating, blood in urine.
• List any medications, supplements, or treatments you are currently using.
• Prepare questions or concerns you want to discuss with the healthcare provider.
• Have a family member or caregiver available if you need assistance during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any instructions given by your healthcare provider after the visit.
• Schedule any recommended in-person exams or diagnostic tests.
• Take prescribed medications as directed and report side effects.
• Monitor your symptoms and keep a symptom diary if advised.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can children get Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

BPH is very uncommon in children and teenagers. It usually affects older men. If a young person has urinary symptoms, doctors will look for other causes before considering BPH.

What symptoms might suggest BPH?

Common symptoms include needing to urinate often, especially at night, difficulty starting urination, weak urine flow, or feeling like the bladder is not fully empty.

Can a doctor diagnose BPH during a video visit?

A doctor can discuss your symptoms and medical history via video, but a full diagnosis often needs an in-person exam and tests like urine analysis or imaging.

What should I do if I cannot urinate?

If you cannot urinate at all, this is an emergency. Seek immediate medical care as this condition can be serious.

Are there treatments for BPH?

Yes, treatments include lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes surgery. The best approach depends on symptoms and overall health, which your doctor can discuss with you.

Sources

1. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.
4. Telehealth: Delivering Care Safely During COVID-19 — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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