When you visit your healthcare provider for help with lower urinary tract symptoms, they may do the following to better understand your symptoms and how they’re affecting you:

Your healthcare provider may ask you to fill out the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). The IPSS is a short questionnaire. You can also fill it out before your appointment.

The IPSS asks about your symptoms, like how often you need to go to the bathroom, if you have a weak urine stream, or if you wake up at night to urinate. There are no right or wrong answers. Your answers help your healthcare team understand how severe your symptoms are as well as what treatment options might work best for you.

Your healthcare provider may look at the outside of your genitals to check for any signs of problems, like infections, swelling, or other unusual changes. This physical exam helps your healthcare provider rule out possible causes of your symptoms.

A digital rectal exam is a test where your healthcare provider gently inserts a gloved finger into your rectum (the opening at the end of your digestive tract). This lets them feel your prostate, a small gland near your bladder that can sometimes cause urinary problems. A digital rectal exam helps your healthcare provider check for any problems with the prostate that could be contributing to your lower urinary tract symptoms.

Your healthcare provider may decide that you need this exam depending on your age and risk factors.

During a digital rectal exam:

• Your exam will be done in a private room.
• Your healthcare provider will ask you to change in private and then sit or lay on the exam bed. You will be given a gown or sheet to cover yourself.
• Your healthcare provider will discuss the symptoms you are experiencing and describe what they will do during the exam.
• You may be offered a chaperone to be present during the exam, like a nurse or your support person. You can also let your healthcare provider know if you’d like a chaperone.
• When you are ready and in a comfortable position, your healthcare provider will gently insert a gloved and lubricated finger into your rectum. They will feel for anything that may not be normal.
• The exam may be a little uncomfortable, but it is important for understanding what might be causing your lower urinary tract symptoms. It can also help your healthcare team find the right treatment for you.

Other things to tell your healthcare provider

You are the most important part of your healthcare team. Tell your healthcare provider about the impact your lower urinary tract symptoms are having on the things that are important to you, like your job, hobbies and interests, and relationships. Let them know about anything in your life that might impact your ability to manage your health, like problems with money or housing, childhood experiences, or alcohol or drug use.

Tell your healthcare provider what has worked for you in the past to manage your lower urinary tract symptoms.

Making the most of your appointment

If you don’t understand what your healthcare team is telling you, let them know right away. Be open and honest. You might say:

• “It sounded like you said that I should… Did I understand that correctly?”
• “Can you show me a picture or model to help me understand?”

Learn more about working with your healthcare team and making the most of your appointment.