How to start the conversation with your doctor.

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How is BPH diagnosed?

Be prepared. Be ready to talk. You can help speed up the process.

BPH is diagnosed based on symptoms. That's why it's important to tell your doctor if you are having symptoms such as frequent urination, straining to urinate, and weak or interrupted stream. In 8 of 10 cases, the symptoms are due to BPH, but they may also be due to other more serious conditions such as prostate or bladder cancer.3 Your doctor may perform several tests to rule out these other possible causes of urinary problems.

At the doctor's office…

First, your doctor will want to know about all of your symptoms, how severe they are, and how much they bother you. The doctor will also ask about your health history, including your family history. Then, you will usually have a digital rectal exam or DRE. The doctor feels the size of your prostate by putting a gloved, lubricated finger inside your rectum.3 A sample of your urine will be taken to check for signs of infection and rule out other causes of your urinary symptoms.8

If you are seeing your primary care physician, he or she may refer you to a urologist for further testing and care. A urologist is a physician who specializes in treating problems of the male urinary tract and reproductive organs.3

Other tests your doctor may order…

PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test: This test helps rule out prostate cancer as a cause of urinary symptoms.3
Urine flow study: You urinate into a special device to measure how quickly your urine is flowing.3
Cystoscopy: This procedure allows the doctor to see inside the urethra and bladder to check the location and extent of blockage.3
Rectal ultrasound and prostate biopsy: Only if cancer is suspected, the doctor inserts a small probe into the rectum that uses sound waves to create a picture of the prostate. If needed, the image guides a needle so the doctor can remove small samples of prostate tissue for a biopsy. The prostate samples are then evaluated under a microscope for signs of cancer.3

Before you go…

You can help yourself and your doctor by bringing all the right information with you to the first appointment. Here's a simple solution: print out this self-assessment tool, fill it out, bring it with you.
Also, make a complete list of all medications you take, including non-prescription items (for colds, allergies, pain, etc.) and vitamins and supplements. Include the amounts and how often you take them. Bring this with you.7
Consider asking your spouse, partner or a good friend to come with you. Another person can help to listen, ask questions and even take notes.

References

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Data on file, Watson Pharma, Inc.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Prostate enlargement: benign prostatic hyperplasia. NIH Publication No. 07-3012. June 2006.
Bruskewitz RC. Quality of life and sexual function in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Rev Urol. 2003;5(2):72-80
Roberts RO, Jacobsen SJ, Rhodes T, et al. Natural history of prostatism: impaired health status in men with lower urinary tract symptoms. J Urol. 1997;157:1711-1717
RAPAFLO™ (silodosin) full prescribing information. Corona, CA: Watson Pharma Inc. October 2008.
Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research (U.S. Dept Health and Human Services): Quick Tips When Talking With Your Doctor. Available at: http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/quicktips/doctalk.htm.
American Urological Association. AUA guideline on management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (2003). Chapter 1: Diagnosis and treatment recommendations. J Urol. 2003;170:530-547
Nickel JC. Comparison of clinical trials with finasteride and dutasteride. Rev Urol. 2004;6 Suppl 9:S31-9
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): A Patient’s Guide. Available at: http://www.auanet.org/content/guidelines-and-quality-care/clinical-guidelines/patient-guides/bph_guide_2003.pdf. Accessed February 4, 2009.
National Institute on Aging: Talking With Your Doctor. Available at: http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/TalkingWithYourDoctor/. Accessed March 5, 2009.
Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia from NIH: Enlarged Prostate. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000381.htm. Accessed March 5, 2009.
Shvartzman P, Borkan JM, Stoliar L, et al. Second-hand prostatism: effects of prostatic symptoms on spouses’ quality of life, daily routines and family relationships. Family Pract. 2001;18:610-613.
Kuritzky L. A primary care physician’s perspective on benign prostatic hyperplasia. Rev Urol. 2003;5(suppl 5):S42-S48.
Wolters R, et al: Lower urinary tract symptoms: social influence is more important than symptoms in seeking medical care. BJU Int. 2002;90:655–661.
Rosen RC, Giuliano F, Cason CC. Sexual dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Eur Urol 2005;47:824–837.
Ponholzer A, Madersbacher S. Lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction; Links for diagnosis, management and treatment. Int J Impot Res. 2007;19:544-550.
Straus SM, Kors JA, De Bruin ML, et al. Prolonged QTc interval and risk of sudden cardiac death in a population of older adults. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2006;47:362-367.
Nomiya M, Yamaguchi O. A quantitative analysis of mRNA expression of alpha 1 and beta-adrenoceptor subtypes and their functional roles in human normal and obstructed bladders. J Urol. 2003;170(2 Pt 1):649-653.
Murata S, Taniguchi T, Takahashi M, et al. Tissue selectivity of KMD-3213, an alpha(1)-adrenoreceptor antagonist, in human prostate and vasculature. J Urol. 2000;164:578-583.
Stafford-Smith M, Bartz R, Wilson K, et al. Alpha-adrenergic mRNA subtype expression in the human nasal turbinate. Can J Anesth. 2007;54:549-555.
Cialis® (tadalafil) full Prescribing Information. Indianapolis IN: Eli Lilly and Co.; June 2007.
Viagra® (sildenafil) full Prescribing Information. New York, NY: Pfizer Inc. October 2006.
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McConnell JD, Roehrborn CG, Bautista OM, et al. The long-term effect of doxazosin, finasteride, and combination therapy on the clinical progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia. N Engl J Med. 2003;18:2387-2398
Issa MM, Regan T. Medical therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia—present and future impact. Am J Manag Care. 2007;13:S4-S9.
Wei JT, Calhoun E, Jacobsen SJ. Urologic Diseases in America Project: benign prostatic hyperplasia. J Urol. 2008;179(5 Suppl.):S75-S80.
Berry SJ, Coffey DS, Walsh PC, et al. The development of human benign prostatic hyperplasia with age. J Urol. 1984;132:474.
Hernández C, Estivill E, Prieto M, et al. Nocturia in Spanish patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH). Curr Med Res Opin. 2008;24(4):1033-1038
Schwinn DA, Roehrborn CG alpha-1 Adrenoreceptor subtypes and lower urinary tract symptoms. Int J Urol. 2008; 15:193-199.
http://www.dictionary.com
Atlas of Human Anatomy, Frank H. Netter, MD, Ciba-Geigy Corporation, Summit, NJ, 1989.

RAPAFLO is indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

RAPAFLO is not indicated for the treatment of hypertension.

Important Safety Information

RAPAFLO is approved to treat male urinary symptoms due to BPH, also called an enlarged prostate. RAPAFLO should not be used to treat high blood pressure. Only your doctor can tell if you have BPH, not a more serious condition like prostate cancer. RAPAFLO should not be used in patients with severe liver or kidney disease as well as those taking certain antifungal or HIV drugs. Avoid driving or hazardous tasks until you know how RAPAFLO will affect you, as a sudden drop in blood pressure may occur, rarely resulting in fainting. If considering cataract surgery, tell your eye surgeon you're currently taking RAPAFLO or have taken it in the past. Side effects include orgasm with reduced or no semen, dizziness, diarrhea, lightheadedness upon standing or sitting up abruptly, headache, swelling of the throat and nasal passages, and stuffy nose.