Private Prostate and Bladder Ultrasound Scan in London
A painless, radiation-free ultrasound scan to assess the prostate, bladder and lower urinary tract. Useful for urinary symptoms, suspected prostate enlargement, bladder emptying problems and post-void residual assessment.
What is a prostate and bladder ultrasound scan?
A prostate and bladder ultrasound scan, also called a male pelvic ultrasound, is a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to examine the prostate gland, bladder and lower urinary tract. It can help assess prostate enlargement, bladder wall changes, bladder distension, urinary retention and post-void residual urine.
This scan is commonly used for men with urinary frequency, weak urine flow, difficulty starting urination, waking at night to pass urine, incomplete bladder emptying, recurrent urinary symptoms, pelvic discomfort or concerns about prostate enlargement. It does not replace blood tests such as PSA, urine tests, GP review, urology assessment or urgent investigation where symptoms are concerning.
Private prostate and bladder scan at a glance
What does a prostate and bladder ultrasound check?
This scan focuses on the prostate gland, bladder and lower urinary tract structures that may contribute to urinary symptoms.
Prostate gland
Assessment of prostate size, volume and enlargement, which can contribute to urinary symptoms in men, especially over the age of 50.
Bladder
Review of bladder filling, bladder wall thickness, bladder distension and visible bladder abnormalities where ultrasound can assess them.
Residual urine
Post-void residual urine measurement checks how much urine remains in the bladder after passing urine.
Common reasons for a prostate and bladder ultrasound
You may consider this scan if you have urinary symptoms or your clinician has suggested assessment of your prostate, bladder or bladder emptying.
- Passing urine more often than usual
- Waking at night to pass urine
- Weak urine stream or slow flow
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Feeling that the bladder has not fully emptied
- Recurrent urinary symptoms or bladder irritation
- Known or suspected prostate enlargement
- Checking post-void residual urine
- Monitoring bladder distension or urinary retention concerns
Important: when should urinary symptoms be urgent?
A private ultrasound scan is not a replacement for urgent medical care. Please seek urgent NHS or GP advice before booking a routine scan if you have concerning symptoms.
- Visible blood in your urine, even if it comes and goes
- Unable to pass urine or painful urinary retention
- Fever, shivering, back/flank pain or feeling seriously unwell
- Severe lower abdominal pain with difficulty passing urine
- Unexplained weight loss, bone pain or persistent severe back pain
- New neurological symptoms, weakness, numbness or loss of bladder/bowel control
Blood in urine should always be checked by a clinician. Severe symptoms, sepsis symptoms, inability to pass urine or rapidly worsening symptoms should be managed urgently.
How to prepare for your prostate and bladder scan
For this scan, a full bladder is usually needed so that the bladder and prostate area can be assessed clearly.
Drink water
Drink around 2–4 glasses of water about one hour before your appointment, unless you have been advised to restrict fluids.
Arrive with a full bladder
Please try not to empty your bladder before the first part of the scan unless you are very uncomfortable.
Post-void measurement
You may be asked to pass urine during the appointment so we can measure how much urine remains in the bladder.
Receive your report
You receive a written ultrasound report with images and appropriate next-step advice.
What can the scan help identify?
- Prostate enlargement
- Bladder wall thickening or bladder distension
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Raised post-void residual urine
- Visible bladder abnormalities where ultrasound can assess them
- Possible lower urinary tract obstruction signs
- Stones or urinary tract issues visible on ultrasound
What can ultrasound not fully rule out?
Ultrasound is useful, but it cannot replace a full urology assessment where clinically needed.
- It does not diagnose prostate cancer on its own
- It does not replace PSA blood testing or clinical examination
- It does not replace cystoscopy if bladder cancer is suspected
- It does not replace urgent assessment for blood in urine
- It may not show all causes of urinary symptoms
Useful related tests and packages
Depending on your symptoms, you may benefit from additional blood tests, urine tests, kidney imaging or a broader men’s health package.
Private prostate and bladder ultrasound in London and St Albans
We provide private prostate and bladder ultrasound scans for patients from Harley Street, Marylebone, Mayfair, Fitzrovia, Oxford Circus, Bond Street, Central London, St Albans, Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.
Central London Clinic
27 Welbeck Street, London W1G 8EN
Harley Street medical district, close to Marylebone, Oxford Circus, Bond Street, Mayfair and Fitzrovia.
Open in Google MapsSt Albans Clinic
54–56 Victoria Street, St Albans AL1 3HZ
Convenient private ultrasound clinic for patients across St Albans, Hertfordshire and nearby areas.
Open in Google MapsBook your private prostate and bladder ultrasound scan
Book online, call our team or message us on WhatsApp. Same-day appointments are often available, and no GP referral is required for this private ultrasound scan.
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers for patients and search engines about prostate and bladder ultrasound scans.
What is a prostate and bladder ultrasound scan?
A prostate and bladder ultrasound scan is a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to assess the prostate gland, bladder and lower urinary tract. It can measure prostate size, bladder volume and post-void residual urine.
How much does a private prostate and bladder ultrasound scan cost?
At London Private Ultrasound, the private prostate and bladder ultrasound scan is listed at £219. Please confirm current pricing before booking.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book this private ultrasound scan directly without a GP referral.
What symptoms can this scan help investigate?
It may help assess urinary frequency, weak urine flow, waking at night to pass urine, difficulty starting urination, incomplete bladder emptying, suspected prostate enlargement and urinary retention concerns.
Can ultrasound diagnose prostate cancer?
No. Ultrasound can assess prostate size and related urinary effects, but it does not diagnose prostate cancer on its own. PSA blood testing, clinical review, MRI, biopsy or urology referral may be needed depending on symptoms and risk factors.
Can ultrasound check if my bladder empties properly?
Yes. A post-void residual measurement can check how much urine remains in the bladder after passing urine.
How should I prepare?
You should usually drink around 2–4 glasses of water about one hour before your appointment and attend with a comfortably full bladder, unless you have been medically advised to restrict fluids.
Is the scan painful?
No. A prostate and bladder ultrasound is usually painless. It is performed externally using ultrasound gel and a handheld ultrasound probe over the lower abdomen and pelvis.
Is there radiation?
No. Ultrasound uses sound waves and does not use ionising radiation.
Should blood in urine be checked urgently?
Yes. Visible blood in urine should be assessed by a clinician, even if it comes and goes. A private scan may be part of assessment, but it should not delay urgent GP, urology or NHS advice where needed.
Can I share the report with my GP or urologist?
Yes. You receive a written report with images that can be shared with your GP, private consultant, urologist or insurer.
Where can I have this scan?
You can book at London Private Ultrasound in Central London, 27 Welbeck Street W1G 8EN, or at the St Albans clinic, 54–56 Victoria Street AL1 3HZ.
Book your private prostate and bladder ultrasound scan today
Same-day appointments are often available at our Central London and St Albans clinics. No GP referral required.