Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) 

A healthcare provider will ask about:

• Your symptoms, when they started, and how severe they are
• Medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements

Tests may include

• Digital rectal exam.The provider gently inserts a finger into the rectum to check the size and shape of the prostate
• Urinalysis. A urine test to check for infection, blood, or other problems
• Blood tests. To measure prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein made by the prostate. PSA levels may be higher in BPH
• Urodynamic tests. These show how well the bladder and urethra are working
• Ultrasound. An abdominal ultrasound checks if the bladder empties fully. A rectal ultrasound shows the size of the prostate

Prostatitis 

A healthcare provider will diagnose prostatitis by asking about symptoms and medical history.

Tests may include

• Urinalysis. Checks for infection
• Blood tests. Looks for signs of infection or other prostate problems
• Digital rectal exam. Checks if the prostate is swollen or tender. This test may not be done if it could cause harm
• CT scan or MRI. May be used to look at the prostate

Prostate Cancer 

Screening

Early-stage prostate cancer can often be treated successfully. However, most men with early prostate cancer do not have symptoms.

Routine screening for prostate cancer may be done with a blood test called the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen), which can be ordered by your PCP.

Many healthcare professionals believe routine screening may not always be needed because:

• Finding cancer early does not always lower the risk of dying from it
• Many men with prostate cancer die from other causes
• Screening can lead to unnecessary treatments, complications, and worry

Whether you should have screening or not should include a discussion with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits to you. The risk and benefit is different for every patient.

Seeing a urologist (a doctor who treats urinary and prostate problems) may also be recommended.

Screening over age 75

Men over age 75 are less likely to benefit from screening. Many organizations recommend not screening at this age.

The decision to be screened should be based on:

• Talking with your healthcare provider
• Discussing your options
• Considering your personal risk factors
• Understanding the benefits and risks of treatment

Click here to read the Choosing Wisely recommendations "Tests and treatments for prostate cancer: the latest advice for men"

Talk with your healthcare provider about whether screening is right for you. If you are over 75 or at low risk, screening may not help you.

Diagnosis

Common tests for prostate cancer include:

• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. PSA levels are often higher in men with prostate cancer. However, PSA can also be high for other reasons, such as aging, an enlarged prostate (BPH), or infection (prostatitis). If PSA is very high or rising quickly, more tests may be needed.
• Prostate biopsy. If PSA results are concerning, a biopsy may be done. A small needle is used, guided by ultrasound, to take samples from the prostate. These samples are checked for cancer cells.

A healthcare provider may also order an MRI to look more closely at the prostate.

Prostate Cancer Grading and Staging

If cancer is found, the next step is to learn how large the tumor is, how fast it may grow, and whether it has spread. This helps guide treatment.

Staging may include tests such as:

• Ultrasound of the prostate
• CT (CAT) scan
• MRI scan
• PET scan
• Bone scan

Last Updated May 2026