Is a prostate scan the same as a PSA test?

No. A PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test measures a protein produced by the prostate and can indicate prostate disease, but it cannot measure prostate size or assess bladder function. An ultrasound scan provides anatomical information that complements PSA testing.

No. A transabdominal prostate scan is entirely painless. The probe is placed on your lower abdomen over a gel — there is no internal examination involved.

Why do I need a full bladder?

A full bladder acts as an acoustic window, allowing the ultrasound waves to reach the prostate gland through the bladder. It also allows measurement of bladder volume and wall thickness.

Can an ultrasound detect prostate cancer?

Transabdominal ultrasound is not the primary tool for detecting prostate cancer — that requires a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) or MRI. However, it can detect features that may prompt further investigation, and it accurately measures prostate volume, which is important for PSA density calculations.

Do I need a GP referral?

No referral is needed. You can book directly online or by telephone. Same-day appointments are available Monday to Saturday.

What is a normal prostate size?

A normal adult prostate is approximately 20–30ml in volume. Prostate volume increases with age; over 30ml is considered enlarged, and over 80ml is significantly enlarged and likely to cause significant urinary symptoms.

HCPC Registered— All sonographers

CQC Compliant— Regulated clinic

Same-Day Available— Mon – Sat

Written Report— Within 24 hours

HCPC Registered

CQC Compliant

Same-Day Available

Written Report

Men's Health

Prostate & Bladder Scan

Comprehensive transabdominal ultrasound assessment of the prostate gland and bladder to investigate urinary symptoms and measure prostate size accurately.

20–30 minutes

Same-day appointments

Marylebone, London W1

HCPC RegisteredCQC CompliantSame-Day AvailableWritten Report IncludedMen's Health Specialist

£235

Book Your Scan Call Us

4.9/5 from 600+ patients

HCPC-registered sonographers

Written report within 24 hours

Same-day appointments available

CQC-compliant clinic

Understanding Your Situation

Urinary Symptoms That Are Affecting Your Quality of Life

Urinary frequency, urgency, a weak stream, or the feeling of incomplete emptying — these symptoms affect millions of men in the UK and are often the first sign of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or other prostate conditions. In the UK, BPH affects over 50% of men over 50 and up to 90% of men over 80. A prostate and bladder scan provides a clear, non-invasive assessment of prostate size and bladder function, giving you and your doctor the information needed to plan the right treatment. Our clinic at 29 Weymouth Street, Marylebone, offers same-day appointments with no GP referral required.

Clinical Overview

What is a Prostate & Bladder Scan?

A prostate and bladder scan is a transabdominal ultrasound examination performed with a full bladder to assess the prostate gland and urinary bladder. It measures prostate volume (using the ellipsoid formula), assesses bladder wall thickness, and measures post-void residual urine volume — the amount of urine remaining in the bladder after urination. This information is essential for diagnosing BPH, bladder outlet obstruction, and other urological conditions.

Is This Scan Right for You?

Who Should Book This Scan?

Men with urinary frequency, urgency, or nocturia (waking at night to urinate)

Those with a weak or interrupted urine stream or straining to urinate

Men with a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying after urination

Patients with a raised PSA blood test requiring prostate assessment

Those with recurrent urinary tract infections or haematuria (blood in urine)

Men over 50 wanting a baseline prostate assessment as part of a health screen

Diagnostic Scope

What This Scan Can Detect

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Measurement of prostate volume to confirm and grade BPH — the most common cause of lower urinary tract symptoms in men over 50.

Post-Void Residual Urine

Measurement of residual urine volume after voiding, which indicates the degree of bladder outlet obstruction and guides treatment decisions.

Bladder Wall Thickening

Assessment of bladder wall thickness, which can indicate chronic obstruction, overactive bladder, or other bladder pathology.

Bladder Stones

Detection of calculi (stones) within the bladder, which can cause pain, haematuria, and recurrent infections.

Prostate Calcification

Identification of calcification within the prostate gland, which is common in BPH and chronic prostatitis.

Your Appointment

What Happens During Your Scan

Preparation

You will need to arrive with a full bladder. Drink 1 litre of water 1 hour before your appointment and do not urinate until after the first part of the scan.

Full bladder scan

With a full bladder, the sonographer assesses the bladder volume, wall thickness, and any abnormalities, and measures the prostate gland from above the pubic bone.

Prostate measurement

Three dimensions of the prostate are measured to calculate prostate volume using the ellipsoid formula, which correlates with symptom severity and guides treatment.

Post-void residual measurement

You will be asked to urinate and return for a second scan to measure the post-void residual urine volume — a key indicator of bladder outlet obstruction.

Report & recommendations

All findings are explained immediately. A written report with prostate volume and post-void residual measurements is provided before you leave.

Before Your Appointment

How to Prepare for Your Scan

1
Drink 1 litre of water approximately 1 hour before your appointment
2
Do not urinate until after the first part of the scan (full bladder assessment)
3
You will be asked to urinate during the appointment for the post-void residual measurement
4
Wear comfortable, loose clothing that allows easy access to your lower abdomen
5
Allow 30–45 minutes for your appointment including discussion time

After Your Scan

Understanding Your Prostate & Bladder Scan Results

Your sonographer will explain the prostate volume, post-void residual, and any other findings immediately after the scan. A prostate volume over 30ml is considered enlarged; over 80ml is significantly enlarged. A post-void residual over 100ml indicates significant retention. Your written report will include these measurements with reference ranges and recommendations for follow-up with your GP or urologist as appropriate.

Why Private?