You have a unique medical history. Therefore, it is essential to talk with your doctor or healthcare provider about your personal risk factors and/or experience with BPH. By talking openly and regularly with your healthcare provider, you can take an active role in your care.

General Tips for Gathering Information

Here are some tips that will make it easier for you to talk to your healthcare provider:

  • Bring someone else with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask.
  • Write out your questions ahead of time, so you don't forget them.
  • Write down the answers you get, and make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for clarification, if necessary.
  • Don't be afraid to ask your questions or ask where you can find more information about what you are discussing. You have a right to know.

Specific Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider

About Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

  • How fast will my disease progress?
  • Are any medications I'm taking dangerous for my stage of this disease?
  • Will this likely progress to prostate cancer?
  • How do you make the diagnosis?
  • Is there a genetic inflence which I should be aware of?

About Treatment Options

  • At what point should my symptoms dictate some form of treatment?
  • What are my treatment options at this point?
  • What are the side effects and benefits of each of these options?
  • Is it worth waiting for new treatment developments before entering a treatment program?
  • Let's talk about possible side effects of the treatment you recommend. I'm particularly concerned about:
    • Sexual function
    • Urinary incontinence
  • Am I at risk for these or other side effects?
  • How can I reduce my risk and/or manage these side effects?
  • Are there any alternative or complementary therapies for BPH?