Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - When To Call a Doctor

When To Call a Doctor

Call your doctor immediately if:

• You are completely unable to urinate.
• Urination is painful and you have a fever over 100° (37.8°), chills, or body aches.
• You have pain in the lower back, just below your rib cage (flank pain), that is not related to an injury or physical effort.
• There is blood or pus in your urine.

Call your doctor if you have painful urination and any of the following signs of a possible urinary tract infection or prostate infection that last longer than 24 hours:

• A burning sensation while urinating
• Painful ejaculation
• Problems controlling your urination during the day or at night

Call your doctor if you have frequent urination problems that have developed over a few weeks or a few months.

Watchful Waiting

If urinary symptoms are minor and not bothersome, and you do not have prostate cancer or a prostate infection, it may be appropriate to try watchful waiting or home treatment. Call a health professional if you develop any of the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks.

Who To See

Mild and moderate urinary symptoms that are caused by BPH can be evaluated and treated by any of the following health professionals:

• Nurse practitioner
• Physician assistant
• Family medicine doctor
• Internist
• Urologist

If the symptoms are severe or if surgical treatment is being considered, you probably need to see a urologist.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment