Usually, a man will be given a prostate scan to check for prostate cancer. If you find you have an enlarged prostate, it may block the bladder. There are several tests you will have if you think you may have prostate cancer or any of its symptoms. This test may include the following:
Urine test: your doctor may ask for a urine sample to check for any infection that may be causing your symptoms.
Blood Test: Your doctor may offer you a blood test to check your kidneys are working properly. They may also suggest a PSA test (prostate-specific antigen). PSA is a protein that is produced by cells in your prostate. An enlarged prostate can cause a higher amount of PSA in your blood. Also, age, an infection and inflammation can cause your PSA level to rise.
A prostate, kidney and bladder scan may be used to show how much urine your bladder can hold, and to see if the bladder is emptying properly. It can also determine if your kidneys are working properly.
A prostate, kidney and bladder scan are non-invasive, and should not cause you any discomfort.
A prostate, kidney and bladder scan will use sound waves to produce images of the man’s prostate, helping to diagnose symptoms such as difficulty when urinating. The scan can also assess the size and shape of the kidneys, the scan can detect other things such as cysts and tumours. A bladder can be looked at using this scan to help identify bladder distension or bladder urinary frequency and bladder irritability.
Your GP may recommend a prostate, kidney and bladder scan if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
Increased urinary frequency especially at night-time
Urinary Retention
Blood in urine
Blood in semen
A full bladder feeling even though your bladder is empty
In preparation for a prostate, kidney and bladder scan you may be asked too:
Drink at least 1 or 2 pints of water an hour before the scan is carried out.
Wear loose fitted clothing
Maintain any routine medication that you may be taking
A prostate, kidney and bladder scan will probably only last approximately 20-25 minutes and would be available to men from the age of 16 upwards.
Mans torso