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

Audience: pediatric

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition where the prostate gland grows larger, which can affect how a person urinates. While BPH usually happens in older adults, it is very rare in children and adolescents. This guide helps pediatric patients and caregivers understand when to seek in-person medical care if symptoms suggestive of BPH or related urinary problems occur. Telemedicine can provide helpful advice and initial evaluation, but certain warning signs mean it is important to see a healthcare provider in person. These include sudden inability to urinate, blood in the urine, severe pain, or signs of infection. Early medical attention can help prevent complications and ensure proper treatment. This information is for education only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden inability to urinate (urinary retention) — go to emergency care immediately.
• Blood in urine — seek prompt in-person medical evaluation.
• Fever, chills, or severe pain in the lower abdomen or back — see a healthcare provider urgently.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom discussion and medical history taking.
• Providing general education about urinary symptoms and BPH.
• Guidance on when to seek in-person care.
• Follow-up discussions after initial in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination of the prostate or abdomen.
• Performing urine tests, blood tests, or imaging studies.
• Diagnosing or prescribing treatment without in-person assessment.
• Managing emergencies such as urinary retention or severe infections.

What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, which sits below the bladder in males. This enlargement can press on the urethra (the tube carrying urine out of the body), making it hard to urinate. BPH is very uncommon in children and teens, but understanding it helps recognize symptoms that might need medical attention.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

Symptoms of BPH often include:

In pediatric patients, these symptoms may suggest other urinary or prostate issues and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

When to Seek In-Person Medical Care

Certain symptoms require prompt in-person evaluation:

These signs can indicate serious problems needing urgent medical attention.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine can be useful for:

However, it cannot perform physical exams or tests needed to diagnose or treat BPH definitively.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit:

This helps make the telemedicine visit effective and efficient.

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow any advice given by your healthcare provider. This may include:

Keep track of any changes and communicate with your provider as needed.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down all symptoms, including onset and severity.
• List current medications and supplements.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss.
• Ensure a private, quiet space with reliable internet for the tele-visit.
• Have a family member or caregiver available if needed for support.

After your tele-visit

• Follow healthcare provider’s advice carefully.
• Schedule any recommended in-person tests or visits.
• Monitor symptoms and report any worsening or new red flags.
• Take medications as prescribed, if any.
• Keep notes of any changes to discuss in follow-up visits.

FAQs

Can children get Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

BPH is very rare in children and adolescents. If a young person has urinary symptoms, other causes are more likely and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

What should I do if I cannot urinate at all?

This is a medical emergency. You should seek immediate in-person care, such as going to an emergency room or urgent care center.

Can telemedicine diagnose BPH?

Telemedicine can help discuss symptoms and decide if you need to see a healthcare provider in person, but it cannot perform the physical exams or tests needed to diagnose BPH.

What treatments are available for BPH?

Treatment options vary and may include lifestyle changes, medications, or procedures. A healthcare provider will recommend the best approach based on individual evaluation.

When should I contact my healthcare provider after a telemedicine visit?

If symptoms worsen, new red flags appear, or you have concerns about your treatment, contact your healthcare provider promptly for advice.

Sources

1. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia — 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 experience any red flag symptoms or have concerns about your health, seek immediate evaluation by a healthcare provider.