Enlarged Prostate (BPH)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, is a common cause of bothersome urinary symptoms in men as they age. IM Care Family NP evaluates and manages BPH via telehealth for New York State residents, with a focus on symptom relief and ongoing monitoring.
Common Symptoms
Weak or slow urinary stream
Urinary frequency or urgency, especially at night
Difficulty starting urination or a feeling of incomplete emptying
Straining to urinate
What May Contribute
Age-related prostate growth
Hormonal changes associated with aging
Family history of BPH
Other conditions, such as constipation, that can worsen urinary symptoms
This is general information, not a diagnosis — many different conditions can cause similar symptoms.
How We Evaluate
Symptom history and a validated symptom questionnaire (e.g., IPSS)
PSA testing and urinalysis when appropriate
Review of medications that may worsen urinary symptoms
Referral for imaging, uroflow testing, or urology evaluation when indicated
Treatment Options We May Discuss
Watchful waiting with lifestyle changes for mild symptoms
Alpha-blockers or 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, when appropriate
Management of contributing factors (medications, constipation)
Referral to urology for minimally invasive or surgical options when medication isn't enough
Can This Be Managed by Telehealth?
Symptom review, PSA result discussion, and starting or adjusting BPH medications can often be handled by telehealth. A digital rectal exam, uroflow testing, or imaging — when needed — requires referral to a local urologist or facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Real questions patients ask us about this condition.
Can a nurse practitioner manage an enlarged prostate?
Yes, an NP can evaluate BPH symptoms, order PSA and other appropriate testing, and manage many first-line treatments, referring to urology when more advanced care is needed.
Does BPH mean I have prostate cancer?
No, BPH is a benign (non-cancerous) enlargement of the prostate. PSA testing and other evaluation help distinguish BPH from other prostate conditions.
Can BPH symptoms be treated without medication?
Mild symptoms are sometimes managed with lifestyle changes alone, such as adjusting fluid timing and reviewing medications that worsen urinary symptoms, though many patients benefit from medication.
Can I get a PSA test through telehealth?
Yes — we can discuss whether PSA testing is appropriate for you during a telehealth visit and send a lab order to a local lab such as Quest or LabCorp.
When to Seek Urgent Care
Contact urgent care, an emergency room, or call 911 right away if you experience:
• Inability to urinate at all (urinary retention)
• Blood in the urine
• Fever with urinary symptoms (possible infection)
• Severe lower abdominal pain
Ready to Talk to a Provider?
Schedule a consultation with Inga Melnikova, DNP, FNP-C to discuss your symptoms and next steps.
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