The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system, adjacent to the male bladder and surrounding the urethra. Common problems with the prostate include benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis and chronic prostatitis (non-bacterial) and prostate cancer. This presentation is about benign prostatic hyperplasia or hypertrophy (BPH) in men. Early Diagnosis The aforementioned BPH symptoms are not necessarily 100% clinically exclusive to BPH; tumors, infections, stones, and other conditions can also manifest similarly. If you are already experiencing symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention to prevent other causes of urinary symptoms. Excluding prostate cancer Some BPH symptoms are the same as those of prostate cancer, so many older men have a fear of the symptoms. However, BPH is very different from prostate cancer, i.e., patients with BPH are no more likely to develop prostate cancer than the general population, but it is important to have a thorough examination by a medical professional, as the two are sometimes present at the same time. How Your Doctor Diagnoses BPH Diagnosis begins with taking a medical history of your symptoms, and further tests may include: 1) Rectal palpation to evaluate the size and shape of the prostate; 2) Ultrasound of the prostate (transrectal ultrasound is recommended); 3) Uroflow rate and/or urodynamics; 4) Biopsy of the prostate, if necessary; and 5) Cystoscopy, which is a tool used by your doctor to view the inside of the bladder and urethra.