Prostate Conditions

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, affecting about 1 in 6 men during their lifetime. Risk factors include older men (>50 years old), Afro-caribbean ethnicity and those with a family history of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer may be diagnosed incidentally during a Men’s health check with PSA (Prostate specific antigen) blood testing or men who complain of urinary symptoms, blood in the urine or semen or symptoms of erectile dysfunction.

The diagnosis is often made after an examination of the prostate, MRI scan and a biopsy. There are multiple treatment strategies for prostate cancer and these are dependant on the stage and grade of the disease. Options include surveillance, hormonal therapy, surgery or radiotherapy.

If you have these symptoms or wish to discuss a PSA blood test and examination then please feel free to contact us.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

BPH is the diagnosis of an enlarged non-cancerous prostate. It occurs in most men as they get older and may result in symptoms of weak urine flow, incomplete emptying and frequency of urination. Symptoms can progress with enlargement whereby complete blockage of urine flow occurs, causing painful urinary retention needing urgent treatment.

Treatment of the condition is dependant on symptoms and may include dietary advice, lifestyle changes, medication and surgery.

Edgbaston Urology Partnership offers a bespoke assessment and tailored treatment for your symptoms including Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), Transurethral Resection in saline (TURis) and the latest minimally invasive procedures including UroLift (Prostatic Urethral Lift). If you are troubled by your urinary symptoms then please contact us for an assessment.

Prostate Health Check

Do you know somebody who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, making you wonder about your own prostate health?

Are you over 45 years and have a close family member who has been affected?

Men often ask for a ‘prostate check-up’ and this is largely due to the media awareness of prostate cancer or because they have a close relative or friend who has had treatment for prostate problems.

As men age, the prostate increases in size resulting in symptoms that may affect their quality of life. Such enlargement is non-cancerous (BPH) but may also be due to prostate cancer. A PSA (Prostate specific antigen) test can  help to differentiate between the two.

The aim of a prostate health check is to identify prostate related problems early so that they can be effectively treated, thus allowing you to continue to enjoy a longer, healthier life.

Parameters checked within the Prostate heath check include:

• PSA (Prostate specific antigen) blood test.
• IPSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) – A questionnaire that assesses how severe your urinary symptoms are and can measure your response to therapy.
• Urine analysis.
• Voiding diary.
• Flow rate and residual urine assessment.
• Physical examination including a digital rectal examination (DRE).

All results will be discussed with you in detail and you will be provided with a tailored management plan. For any questions or to make an appointment please contact Edgbaston Urology Partnership.

Prostatitis and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS)

Prostatitis is a result of infection or inflammation of the prostate gland and can affect both young and old men. It can be acute or chronic and with or without infection and may affects a man’s quality of life leading to depression and anxiety.

There are several types of prostatitis, each with a range of symptoms.

Acute bacterial prostatitis – This condition can occur very quickly resulting in men feeling unwell with shivers and high fevers and often requires hospital admission for treatment with intravenous antibiotics. Other symptoms include passing urine frequently, pain during or after ejaculation, incomplete bladder emptying, blood in the semen and pain in the lower back, pelvis, genitals and buttocks.

Chronic bacterial prostatitis – This condition is a result of repeated infection to the prostate. Symptoms are similar to acute bacterial prostatitis, but often less severe. The diagnosis can be challenging and often difficult to find bacteria in the urine. Treatment is with antibiotics and they are usually required for four to 12 weeks.

Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis / Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) – This condition can affect 1 in 10 men between the ages of 30-50 years old. The cause is uncertain and can be described as pelvic or penile pain without evidence of infection. For those men who live with constant or severe pain, CPPS can be debilitating and affect one’s quality of life. Treatment of this condition is difficult, and many patients learn how to manage their symptoms.

Edgbaston Urology Partnership will ensure a tailored investigation and dedicated treatment strategy in order to identify and treat reversible causes of your pain.

Treatment options include:

• Tablets that relax the prostatic ducts called alpha blockers (tamsulosin or alfuzosin).
• Antibiotics if any infection is suspected.
• Anti-inflammatory agents (Ibuprofen).
• Tricyclic antidepressant tablets (amitryptyline).
• Physiotherapy to relax the pelvic floor.
• Prostatic massage to help remove prostatic secretions.