The prostate gland is the male sex gland. It can be affected by a number of different conditions. it can enlarge (benign prostatic growth giving urinary symptoms), become inflamed (prostatitis – giving pain) or develop prostate cancer. At the Staffordshire Urology Clinic we offer hospital specialist prostate checks as part of a set payment package.

These packages are designed to pick up and then treat the common problems that affect the prostate. The key steps required are to have an in depth discussion with a Staffordshire Urology Clinic Consultant specialist , a full examination including rectal examination and other tests may be appropriate such as a PSA blood test (after discussion), flow rate and/ or post void residual estimation (quantity of urine left in bladder after taking a pee).

The prostate gland is the only organ in the body that make PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) in any quantity and some of it can be detected in the blood. An elevated level suggests that there may be a prostate problem. This problem may be an enlarged prostate, an inflamed or infected prostate or prostate cancer. The higher the level of the blood test, the more likely that cancer will be diagnosed. Because the PSA test can be raised in a number of different prostate conditions, it is useful, but can be difficult to interpret, and may lead to a number of other tests designed to prove or exclude the presence of cancer. Ideally only men that would benefit from being treated for prostate cancer should have a PSA test and this should be discussed with a Doctor before a test.

The PSA blood test is traditionally a test that takes several days for the laboratory to process before that result is available, however there is also an option of a rapid test available that uses a pinprick blood sample. The rapid test is available at the Staffordshire Urology Clinic North Staffs Nuffield Clinic.

A post void residual volume estimation is a simple test where a small bladder scanner is placed on the skin of the lower abdomen. This will then detect urine left in the bladder and calculate the volume of fluid left behind. This simple test can be done in clinic by your urologist. Leaving large amounts of fluid in your bladder (urinary retention) is a sign of prostate disease.

A flow rate enables us to estimate the speed at which you can void. By passing urine into a machine when you get the normal urge to pee this can add to the assessment of your prostate. A slow flow suggests that the prostate is blocking the flow of your urine as your water pipe (urethra) passes directly through the centre of your prostate.

By assessing your symptoms, completing the examination, flow rate and post void residual estimation we can then suggest further investigation and / or treatments (often a prescribed tablet initially) to help with your urinary symptoms.

Prostate Check includes

1. Full history

2. Urological examination

3. PSA blood test

4. Post void residual estimation

5. Advice about the results and further management plan

Prostate Check PLUS inculdes

1. Full history

2. Urological examination

3. PSA blood test

4. Post void residual estimation

5. Flow test

6. Advice about the results and further management plan

A raised PSA blood test may need further tests to prove or exclude the presence of prostate cancer. A urine sample may be requested to exclude infection and a repeat PSA test is often suggested to ensure that the first was a true reading. If the PSA is raised without an obvious source of infection or inflammation a MRI scan as well as an ultrasound of the prostate and biopsies may be suggested at a further expense. These tests are designed to measure the size and detect cancer of the prostate. It is not totally accurate and a negative set of biopsies does not completely exclude prostate cancer.