What are the findings of a urological examination?

From the Guidelines

A urological examination includes a comprehensive assessment of the male reproductive organs, specifically examining the penis, testes, vasa, epididymides, and checking for varicocele, as well as a digital rectal examination, as recommended by the American Urological Association and American Society for Reproductive Medicine 1. The examination is crucial for evaluating male infertility and other urological conditions. The key components of the examination, as outlined in the study by the American Urological Association and American Society for Reproductive Medicine 1, include:

• Examination of the penis, including the location of the urethral meatus
• Measurement and palpation of the testes
• Checking for the presence and consistency of the vasa and epididymides
• Checking for the presence of a varicocele
• Evaluation of body habitus and secondary sex characteristics, including hair distribution and breast development
• A digital rectal examination to assess the prostate and other structures. These components are essential for a thorough assessment of the male reproductive system and can help identify potential issues, such as infertility, infections, or other conditions that may require medical attention, as noted in the guidelines published in the American Family Physician journal 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

1. 1 Monotherapy Finasteride tablets 5 mg/day was initially evaluated in patients with symptoms of BPH and enlarged prostates by digital rectal examination Patients in A Long-Term Efficacy and Safety Study had moderate to severe symptoms at baseline Effect on Symptom Score Symptoms were quantified using a score similar to the American Urological Association Symptom Score

The findings of a urological examination are not directly stated in the provided text, but it is mentioned that patients had enlarged prostates by digital rectal examination and moderate to severe symptoms of BPH at baseline.

• Symptoms were quantified using a score similar to the American Urological Association Symptom Score.
• The prostate volume was measured by transrectal ultrasound, with a mean prostate volume at trial entry of approximately 54 cc 2.

From the Research

Urological Examination Findings

The findings of a urological examination can vary depending on the patient's condition and the procedures performed. Some common findings include:

• Presence of infravesical obstruction (IVO) in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) 3
• Ultrasound indicators of the prostate, urinary bladder, and uroflowmetry parameters can be used to diagnose IVO 3
• Digital rectal examination and International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) can be used to assess prostate health 3
• Urinalysis and imaging studies can be used to diagnose urologic disorders such as urinary tract infections, renal colic, and hematuria 4, 5, 6
• Physical examination can reveal signs of penile emergencies such as paraphimosis, penile fracture, and priapism 4
• Scrotal emergencies such as testicular torsion and Fournier gangrene can be diagnosed through physical examination and imaging studies 4, 5

Diagnostic Procedures

The following diagnostic procedures may be performed during a urological examination:

• History taking and physical examination 4, 5, 7, 6
• Urinalysis 4, 5, 6
• Imaging studies such as ultrasound and uroradiologic studies 3, 6
• Uroflowmetry and pressure-flow studies 3
• Digital rectal examination and International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) 3

Specialized Tests

Some specialized tests that may be ordered during a urological examination include:

• Pressure-flow study to detect IVO 3
• Ultrasound indicators of the prostate and urinary bladder to diagnose IVO 3
• Uroflowmetry parameters to assess urinary flow rate 3
• Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to assess prostate health 5, 3