talkhealth forums

I just wonder if you can help please.
Just over a year ago I went to my GP and told him that I was getting up twice a night to urinate. After he had examination me, he told me that my prostate was slightly enlarged and put me on Tamsulosin capsules.
These have seemed to help, I was just wondering how often I should have my prostate checked by the doctor in the future?

It's a great question - how often should men being treated for urinary symptoms have a review with their GP. The answer of course depends on what we are worried about - for many men this question really means 'should I still be worried about prostate cancer' - the answer to that is that there is good evidence that the presence of symptoms due to an enlarged prostate does not increase your risk of developing prostate cancer (allowing for the fact that men having treatment are more likely to be tested). So this is not a major concern and you do not need to have your prostate checked routinely. However, if you develop new symptoms or a deterioration in your current symptoms, then it is worth seeing your GP for review.

If the medication is controlling your symptoms, there is no specific need for review with your GP, other than good practice of an annual review for anyone taking long term medication.

I hope that answers your question!