Why?
Most men over the age of 50 are likely to develop some form of prostate disease. All prostate disease can significantly impact on quality of life.
The symptoms for all three conditions (namely, benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer and prostatitis) do overlap but often the disease progresses with few, if any, symptoms.
Regular prostate checks allow disease to be detected at a stage when it can generally be resolved and preventative strategies adopted .
When?
It is generally recommended that men should have a prostate health check from 50 years of age but for men with mild symptoms or a family history of prostate problems an earlier review may be advised.
The prostate health check can be repeated every one to two years and this can be discussed at your appointment.
What is included?
First of all it should be noted that nothing about a prostate health check is painful. Some aspects can be a little embarrassing to some men and some are certainly undignified.
A prostate health check will include the following:
• History taking to highlight any health risks
Diary record of voiding habits – known as a frequency volume chart
• Discussion with an expert nurse regarding general health, prostate health and the pros and cons of tests to be performed as well as patient’s expectations
• A digital rectal examination (prostate is felt with a gloved finger) to check for abnormalities
• IPSS (international prostate symptom score) questionnaire to rate any symptoms which may be experienced
• Blood tests for PSA, full blood count and kidney function
• A blood pressure check
• A flow rate test and ultrasound to check whether the bladder is emptying completely
• A urine test to check for infection and other abnormalities in the urine
• All results will be explained immediately and the significance of any abnormalities discussed
• Written report and information pack
• Appropriate referral for further tests and appointment with one of our expert consultants for prostatic disease as necessary
Results
Most of the results will be available during the appointment time and will be explained. The blood test and urine results will be available on the following day and we will call with an explanation of these. We will also prepare a copy of all the test results for the patient to keep.
Preparation
There is no specific preparation for a prostate health check and the patient can eat and drink as normal beforehand. Patients are advised to arrive with a comfortably full bladder in preparation of the urine flow test.
Cost
The package price for the prostate health check is £300. This cost is not usually covered on health insurance but subsequent appointments with a urologist and further tests should be covered.