Private Prostate Ultrasound London: Enlarged Prostate, Urinary Symptoms, PSA Follow-Up and What to Expect

By the age of 60, approximately 50% of men have some degree of prostate enlargement. By 85, that figure rises to nearly 90%. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate — is one of the most common conditions in ageing men and the leading cause of lower urinary tract symptoms: getting up multiple times at night to urinate, a weak or intermittent stream, difficulty starting urination, a feeling of incomplete emptying, and urinary urgency.

These symptoms are treatable, but first they need to be properly assessed. A private prostate ultrasound at The Wellness London measures your prostate size, assesses your bladder, and calculates how completely you empty — three pieces of information that directly guide management decisions.

The scan is performed transabdominally (through the lower abdomen) — completely external, painless, and takes approximately 15–20 minutes. A GMC-registered doctor performs and interprets the scan, explains findings during the appointment, and provides a same-day written report.

Urinary symptoms or elevated PSA? Message us on WhatsApp or email team@thewellnesslondon.com.

What a Prostate Ultrasound Assesses

Prostate size and volume. The prostate is measured in three dimensions and its volume calculated. A normal prostate volume is approximately 20–30ml. Volumes above 30ml suggest enlargement, and significantly enlarged prostates (60ml+) are more likely to cause obstructive symptoms. Prostate size directly influences treatment decisions — for example, some medications work better for larger prostates, and very large prostates may benefit from surgical intervention.

Bladder wall thickness. A thickened bladder wall (detrusor hypertrophy) suggests the bladder has been working harder than normal to push urine past an obstructed or enlarged prostate. This is a secondary sign of chronic outflow obstruction.

Bladder volume. Pre-void bladder volume is measured to assess bladder capacity.

Post-void residual (PVR). After the initial scan, you empty your bladder and the doctor rescans to measure the volume of urine remaining. An elevated PVR (greater than 100ml) indicates incomplete emptying, which can be caused by bladder outlet obstruction from the prostate or bladder underactivity. A significantly elevated PVR (greater than 300ml) requires clinical attention.

Bladder abnormalities. The bladder is assessed for diverticula (outpouchings caused by chronic obstruction), stones, masses, and wall irregularities.

Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS): When to Get Checked

You should consider a prostate ultrasound if you are experiencing:

• Nocturia — waking two or more times at night to urinate
• Weak urinary stream — reduced force of flow
• Hesitancy — difficulty starting urination, needing to wait
• Intermittency — stop-start flow during urination
• Terminal dribbling — prolonged dripping after finishing
• Sensation of incomplete emptying — feeling you have not fully emptied your bladder
• Urinary urgency — sudden, compelling need to urinate
• Urinary frequency — needing to urinate more often than usual (more than 7–8 times per day)
• Elevated PSA — a raised prostate-specific antigen blood test prompting further assessment
• Known prostate enlargement — monitoring size and impact on urinary function

Experiencing urinary symptoms? Book on WhatsApp.

Prostate Ultrasound and PSA: What You Need to Know

PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is a blood test used in prostate screening. An elevated PSA can be caused by benign prostate enlargement, prostatitis (inflammation), urinary tract infection, recent ejaculation, vigorous exercise, or prostate cancer.

What prostate ultrasound can do: Measure prostate size (which correlates with PSA — larger prostates naturally produce more PSA), assess bladder impact, and provide anatomical information.

What prostate ultrasound cannot do: Suprapubic ultrasound cannot reliably detect prostate cancer. If prostate cancer investigation is needed (due to significantly elevated or rising PSA), a multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) of the prostate is the recommended investigation, followed by targeted biopsy if indicated. NICE guideline NG131 recommends mpMRI as the first-line investigation before biopsy.

Your doctor at The Wellness will advise on the appropriate investigation pathway based on your PSA level, clinical history, and scan findings. If mpMRI or urology referral is needed, this can be arranged the same day.

Prostate and Men's Health Scans: Pricing

All prices include the doctor-performed scan, verbal debrief, and same-day written report.

PSA blood test can be added to your scan appointment for a comprehensive prostate assessment.

What to Expect

Preparation: Drink approximately 500ml of water one hour before and do not empty your bladder. A full bladder is essential.

Duration: Approximately 15–20 minutes including post-void measurement.

The scan: You lie on your back. The doctor applies gel to your lower abdomen and scans the bladder and prostate. After the initial scan, you empty your bladder (a private bathroom is available) and return for the post-void measurement — this takes under 5 minutes.

Results: Your doctor explains prostate size, bladder findings, and PVR result during the appointment. A written report is issued the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a prostate ultrasound internal? No. At The Wellness, prostate ultrasound is suprapubic (transabdominal) — completely external. The probe is placed on your lower abdomen, not internally.

Can prostate enlargement be treated? Yes. Treatment options for BPH include lifestyle modifications, alpha-blockers (tamsulosin), 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (finasteride, dutasteride), combination therapy, and surgical options (TURP, laser surgery, UroLift) for more severe cases. Your scan provides the baseline information for treatment planning.

Should I have a PSA test? PSA screening is a personal decision. For men over 50 (or over 45 with a family history of prostate cancer or African Caribbean heritage), a PSA test combined with clinical assessment can help detect prostate problems early. Your doctor at The Wellness can discuss the benefits and limitations of PSA testing.

Do I need a referral? No. Book directly at The Wellness.

Book Your Prostate Ultrasound

📱 Book via WhatsApp

📧 Email: team@thewellnesslondon.com

🌐 Book online: thewellnesslondon.com/ultrasound

This article was reviewed by the clinical team at The Wellness London. All scans are performed by GMC-registered doctors. Last updated March 2026.

Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. If you are experiencing difficulty passing urine, blood in your urine, or sudden inability to urinate (acute retention), please seek medical attention urgently.