Take a test
It is medically advisable that men who have entered their forties should get their urological health assessed by a medical practitioner.
An assessment would involve a clinical history, physical check and a blood test. This triad is important and complementary to each other. At times men are happy to have a blood test but do not want to undergo a digital prostate examination. However, a negative blood test does not necessarily rule out the possibility of prostate ailments.
The symptoms of enlarged prostate typically do not arise overnight; they build up gradually. It may take months or years before these symptoms impact on one’s quality of life. However, it is always advisable to seek a medical opinion while symptoms are not critical. It is always easier to monitor mild symptoms under medical supervision than to manage severe and critical symptoms.
Simplified self-assessment
The simplified self-assessment on this page may help you in deciding whether you need a urological assessment.
Part 2 of the self-assessment requires you to take a brief external questionnaire supplied by the American Urological Association (AUA): to take this questionnaire you will need to visit the AUA’s website, which will open in a new browser window or new tab. Instructions can be found below.
Part 1
Have you had a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test, and if yes, do you know the level?
- <2.5ngs (under 50 years of age)
- <3.5ngs (under 60 years of age)
- <4.5ngs (Under 70 years of age)
- <6.5ngs (over 70 years of age)
If your PSA is outside of the appropriate range for your age, please skip to the Your Results section below.
If your PSA is within the appropriate range for your age, or you have not had a PSA blood test, please continue to Part 2.
Part 2
Please use the BPH Symptom Index Questionnaire to assess your urinary flow pattern. This online tool is devised by the American Urological Association (AUA) and it gives a fair idea in regards to the severity of one’s symptoms. Click the link below to begin the questionnaire: the link will open in a new browser window or new tab. When you’ve completed the AUA questionnaire, you will receive a Symptom Score: a number between 1 and 35. Make a note of your Symptom Score and simply close the new window or tab.
The AUA questionnaire: http://godot.urol.uic.edu/~web/ASIS.html
Your results
Abnormal PSA test — You need to seek medical opinion.
Normal PSA, AUA Symptom Score 0-7 — These are mild symptoms. However, a physical prostate check is recommended for all men over forty.
Normal PSA, AUA Symptom score 8-19 — A score in this range suggests that you may need to see a medical practitioner or a urologist at some stage.
Normal PSA, AUA Symptom Score 20 or over — A score in this range suggests that a urological consult is advisable.
What next?
If your self-assessment suggests you should consult a specialist urologist, please see your General Practitioner to discuss a referral to the Endo Urology Centre.
