Red flags & when to go in person for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Audience: adult

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition where the prostate gland enlarges, often causing urinary symptoms in adult men. Many men experience mild symptoms that can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication. Telemedicine can help you discuss symptoms and treatment options safely from home. However, some signs mean you should see a healthcare provider in person right away. These include sudden inability to urinate, blood in urine, severe pain, or signs of infection. Early recognition of these red flags helps prevent complications. This guide explains when telemedicine is appropriate and when urgent in-person care is needed. It also offers tips to prepare for your tele-visit and what to expect afterward. Remember, telemedicine advice is educational and not a substitute for hands-on medical care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden inability to urinate (urinary retention) — go to emergency care immediately
• Blood in urine or semen — see a healthcare provider promptly
• Fever, chills, or severe burning during urination — seek urgent medical attention

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing urinary symptoms and history
• Providing education about BPH
• Recommending lifestyle changes
• Prescribing and monitoring medications for mild to moderate symptoms
• Scheduling follow-up and ordering non-urgent tests

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical prostate exams
• Conducting urgent diagnostic tests like catheterization or imaging
• Managing acute urinary retention
• Treating severe infections or complications
• Evaluating for possible prostate cancer

What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

BPH is an enlargement of the prostate gland, common in men as they age. The prostate surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. When the prostate grows, it can press on the urethra and cause urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, weak stream, or difficulty starting to urinate. BPH is not cancer and usually grows slowly over time.

Common Symptoms of BPH

Symptoms often include:

These symptoms can affect quality of life but are usually manageable with treatment.

When to Seek In-Person Care: Red Flags

Certain symptoms require urgent evaluation in person:

If you experience any of these, go to a healthcare facility promptly.

How Telemedicine Can Help with BPH

Telemedicine allows you to discuss your symptoms, medical history, and treatment options with a healthcare provider remotely. Providers can help:

However, telemedicine cannot perform physical exams or certain tests that may be needed.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from your tele-visit:

This preparation helps your provider understand your condition better.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Your provider may suggest:

If symptoms worsen or new red flags appear, seek in-person care immediately.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your urinary symptoms and how long you have had them
• Note any medications or supplements you are taking
• Prepare to describe your urination patterns and any changes
• Have questions ready for your healthcare provider
• Ensure your device has a stable internet connection and working camera/microphone

After your tele-visit

• Follow lifestyle and medication recommendations from your provider
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes
• Schedule follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits as advised
• Seek immediate care if red flag symptoms develop
• Complete any recommended tests or imaging promptly

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose BPH?

Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms and suggest if BPH is likely, but it cannot replace a physical exam or tests needed for a definitive diagnosis.

What should I do if I suddenly cannot urinate?

This is a medical emergency. You should seek in-person emergency care immediately, as urinary retention can cause serious complications.

Are lifestyle changes effective for BPH?

Yes, lifestyle changes like reducing caffeine and alcohol, limiting fluid intake before bedtime, and regular exercise may help improve symptoms.

Can BPH lead to prostate cancer?

BPH is not cancer and does not cause prostate cancer. However, both conditions can occur in the same age group, so regular check-ups are important.

When should I have tests done for BPH?

Your healthcare provider may recommend tests if symptoms are severe, worsening, or if there are red flags. Tests can include urine analysis, ultrasound, or prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests.

Sources

1. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.
4. Urinary Retention — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for education only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience any emergency symptoms or worsening conditions, seek immediate medical attention.