Before you see a doctor: two simple self-checks for BPH
Updated: Sep 1, 2025
THE BIG PICTURE
Trouble with urination doesn’t always mean you need to rush to the doctor. But ignoring it isn’t the answer either. With just two simple self-checks, you can get a clearer picture of your prostate health—right from home.
Are you waking up at night to pee?
Do you feel like your urine stream is weaker than it used to be? Not sure if it's normal aging or something you should check out?
Your gut feeling isn't enough. Neither is waiting it out. When it comes to your urinary health, having real data makes all the difference, both for you and your doctor.
Before you make an appointment, there are two simple tests you can do right at home:
The IPSS questionnaire (a quick survey about your symptoms)
A urine flow test (to see how strong your stream is)
IPSS ©2025 American Urological Association
1. IPSS: Turn your symptoms into a score
The IPSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) is a 7-question tool used by doctors worldwide to measure urinary symptoms. It asks about:
How often you feel the urge to urinate
How many times you get up at night
Whether your stream feels slow or weak
Each question is scored from 0 to 5, with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms. The total score ranges from 0 to 35.
0-7: Mildly symptomatic
8-19: Moderately symptomatic
20-35: Severely symptomatic
You can take the IPSS quiz right now. Your score is calculated instantly, and you can even have the results sent to your email. Most IPSS tests you find through a quick Google search just show the questions but don’t give you the score. Ours does.
IPSS ©2025 American Urological Association
2. Urine Flow Test: Measure what you can’t see
Although a symptom score is helpful, it’s still based on how you feel. If you want objective proof, try a urine flow test. This test measures how fast and how steadily your urine comes out.
Just bring your phone to the bathroom. The app listens to the sound of urination and analyze your flow rate, especially Q-max, which is the key number doctors use to assess BPH.
Having this data makes it easier for your doctor to understand what’s going on and what to do next. With just an IPSS score and a flow test result, you’ll walk into your doctor’s office prepared. You’ll spend less time explaining your symptoms and more time discussing real solutions.
Start with these two simple tools.
Reference.
FAQ: Self-Checks for BPH
What is BPH, and how do I know if I have it?
BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, common in men over 50. Symptoms include frequent urination, weak stream, difficulty starting urination, and waking up at night to pee. If you're unsure, the IPSS questionnaire and a urine flow test are great starting points.
What does the IPSS score tell me?
The IPSS score helps you understand how severe your urinary symptoms are:
0–7: Mild
8–19: Moderate
20–35: Severe
It’s widely used by doctors to decide whether treatment or further testing is needed.
Can I take the IPSS test online?
Yes. With proudP, you can take the IPSS test online—no app or signup required. Your score is calculated automatically, and you can get the results sent to your email. Most other websites only list the questions but don’t calculate your score.
What is a urine flow test, and why does it matter?
A urine flow test measures how fast and smoothly your urine comes out. It gives you objective data—especially your Q-max (maximum flow rate)—which is essential for diagnosing BPH. proudP uses sound-based AI to do this using your phone.
Is it safe and accurate to measure my urine flow with my phone?
Yes. proudP’s flow test has been validated with clinical-grade accuracy (96%+) using sound analysis. It’s safe, private, and doesn’t require any extra devices.
What should I do with my IPSS score and flow test results?
You can share them with your doctor. These results help your provider make faster, better-informed decisions about whether you need treatment, further testing, or simply monitoring.
When should I actually see a doctor?
If your IPSS score is moderate or high (8 or above), or your flow rate is low, it’s a good idea to see a urologist. You should also seek care if you're experiencing pain, blood in urine, or sudden changes in urination.
How can I check my prostate symptoms by myself?
One of the easiest ways to self-check your prostate symptoms is by using the IPSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) questionnaire. It asks seven simple questions about your urination habits—like frequency, urgency, and stream strength—and gives you a total score that reflects the severity of your symptoms. You can take it online through proudP and get instant results, no app or signup required.
Can I find out what stage my BPH is at?
There’s no official “stage” for BPH like there is with cancer, but you can get a good sense of how mild or severe your symptoms are by taking the IPSS questionnaire. It’s a trusted medical tool that turns your symptoms into a score—from mild to severe. Start there to better understand where you stand and whether you should speak with a doctor.
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