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?
References:
American Urological Association Practice Guidelines Committee. AUA guideline on management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. J Urol. 2003;170:530-547.
Burnett AL, Wein AJ. Benign prostatic hyperplasia in primary care: what you need to know. J Urol. 2006;175:S19-24.
Dull, P, Reagan RW Jr, Bahnson RR. Managing benign prostatic hyperplasia. Am Fam Physician. 2002;66:87-88.
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse website. Available at: http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/.
Last reviewed April 2007 by David Juan, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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