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Male Incontinence
An enlarged prostate can make it hard for your bladder to empty, leading to urinary leakage.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Enlarged Prostate
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Overview
Frequent urination, an overwhelming urge to urinate, difficulty urinating, and urinary leakage are uncomfortable symptoms that may signal benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), typically known as an enlarged prostate. While the condition is most common among older men, it should be treated immediately at any age to prevent more serious issues from occurring, such as damage to your bladder or kidneys. Duke’s urologists are experts in diagnosing and treating enlarged prostates. They can recommend the best treatment to help you achieve better control of your urine flow.
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Testing for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Tests Overview
A physical exam, which may include a rectal exam, allows your doctor to diagnose your condition. Additional testing may also be required.
Urinalysis
Description
A urine test checks the appearance and acidity of your urine and looks for any abnormal substances, like blood or too much protein. It can determine if a bladder infection is causing your symptoms.
Uroflowmetry
Description
A uroflow test measures the speed and strength of your urinary stream. Slower than normal speed may indicate an enlarged prostate is interrupting the stream.
Post-Void Residual Urine Test
Description
After you urinate, your urologist may use ultrasound to see how much urine is left in your bladder. This may identify a blockage or help determine the extent of your enlarged prostate.
Our Locations
Duke Health offers locations throughout the Triangle. Find one near you.
Conditions Related to an Enlarged Prostate
Consistently Ranked Among the Nation’s Best Hospitals
Duke University Hospital is proud of our team and the exceptional care they provide. They are why we are once again recognized as the best hospital in North Carolina, and nationally ranked in 11 adult and 9 pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report for 2022–2023.
Why Choose Duke
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Accurate Diagnosis
We perform a comprehensive evaluation and use advanced imaging techniques and diagnostic equipment to accurately diagnose the cause of your prostate problem.
A Team of Specialists
As a major medical center, we work closely with other specialists when male incontinence symptoms signal other medical concerns. Likewise, because procedures such as urethral stricture surgery are complex, you benefit from our collaborative medical teams, which include experts in reconstructive urology, plastic surgery, colorectal surgery, and other specialists, as needed.
Experts in Reconstructive Urology
Duke is a high-volume, regional referral center for people who need reconstructive urologic surgery. Duke has been at the forefront in training doctors in this subspecialty of urology for more than 30 years. All of our urologists who treat male incontinence and prostate problems are board certified and have undergone years of advanced training to complete their fellowships in reconstructive urology.
High Cure Rates and Low Complication Rates
Our use of modern surgical techniques, sophisticated tools and equipment, and our skill and training are the reasons why our surgeries are so successful.
Assistance for Men Who Have Failed Previous Treatments
Many of our urethral stricture patients are referred to us or seek our care after multiple failed attempts at treatment. Often this results from being diagnosed without proper imaging tests, or because they were unaware they could benefit from a single surgery that has a cure rate over over 98 percent.
This page was medically reviewed on 08/03/2020