Prostatitis Treatment in London
Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland. It can cause pelvic discomfort, urinary symptoms and pain that can gradually affect your sleep, work and quality of life. It is common and can often be managed effectively, but the right treatment depends on understanding what is causing your symptoms.
Our consultant urologists offer thorough assessment and personalised prostatitis treatment in London, including care for acute and long-term symptoms.
What is prostatitis?
Prostatitis means inflammation of the prostate, a small gland located below the bladder. The urethra, which carries urine from the bladder out of the body, passes through the prostate.
Symptoms may begin suddenly, known as acute prostatitis, or continue for several weeks or months, known as chronic prostatitis. It can affect men of all ages.
Common symptoms include pain or discomfort around the base of the penis, testicles, lower tummy, lower back or perineum, the area between the testicles and back passage. You may also have burning when passing urine, need to urinate more often, notice a weaker flow or experience pain during ejaculation.
Acute prostatitis is often linked to bacterial infection. With longer-term prostatitis symptoms, an infection may not be found and a combination of factors can be involved. Because these symptoms can overlap with urinary tract infections, an enlarged prostate and other conditions, careful assessment is important.
Common symptoms of prostatitis
Pelvic pain or discomfort
Aching, pressure or pain around the penis, testicles, perineum, lower tummy or lower back.
Urinary symptoms
Burning or discomfort when passing urine, needing to pass urine more often, difficulty starting or a weaker stream.
Sexual symptoms
Pain during or after ejaculation, erectile difficulties or changes in sexual confidence.
How we assess prostatitis
A clear assessment helps establish whether prostatitis is the likely cause of your symptoms, whether infection may be involved and whether other conditions need to be ruled out.
Urine and blood tests
Urine tests can check for infection. Blood tests may also be recommended and can include a PSA test where appropriate to build a fuller picture of prostate health.
Urinary flow assessment
A simple, non-invasive flow test measures the strength and pattern of your urinary stream.
Bladder ultrasound
An ultrasound scan can check how well the bladder empties and identify other factors that could be contributing to your symptoms.
Flexible cystoscopy
Where appropriate, a thin camera may be used to examine the urethra and bladder directly.
MRI of the prostate
In selected cases, an MRI scan may provide more detailed information about the prostate and help clarify the diagnosis.
When prostatitis needs urgent medical care
Acute prostatitis can be serious. Seek urgent medical help if you have urinary symptoms with a high temperature, shivering or feel very unwell. You should also seek urgent help if you are unable to pass urine.
Call 999 or attend A&E if you develop signs of severe infection or sepsis, such as confusion, severe breathing difficulty, blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, or a rash that does not fade when pressed.
Treating prostatitis
Treatment depends on the type of prostatitis and the factors contributing to your symptoms. Your consultant will explain the options that may be appropriate for you.
Antibiotics
If a bacterial infection is confirmed or suspected, your consultant may prescribe a targeted course of antibiotics.
Anti-inflammatory and symptom relief medication
Medication may be used to reduce inflammation and improve urinary symptoms.
Bladder instillations
Bladder instillations deliver treatment directly into the bladder. They may be considered for some people with persistent bladder symptoms, depending on the findings from assessment.
Pelvic floor
For chronic pelvic pain syndrome, approaches addressing pelvic floor tension and lifestyle factors can be beneficial. Your consultant will explain which combination is most appropriate for you.
Why choose The Forbury Clinic for prostatitis treatment in Newcastle?
Clear assessment of your symptoms
Your consultant will investigate the likely cause of your pelvic and urinary symptoms rather than treating without a clear understanding of what is involved.
Treatment matched to the cause
Where infection is present, treatment can be targeted appropriately. Where it is not, your consultant can discuss other approaches to managing persistent symptoms.
Symptoms taken seriously
Prostatitis can be uncomfortable and disruptive. We provide time for a proper discussion of how symptoms are affecting you.
Consultant-led care in London
Self-referral is welcome for appointments with a consultant urologist at The Forbury Clinic London.
Frequently asked questions
Is prostatitis the same as an enlarged prostate?
No. Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate, while benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. The symptoms can overlap, which is why assessment is useful.
Is prostatitis caused by an infection?
Sometimes. Acute prostatitis is often caused by bacterial infection. With chronic prostatitis symptoms, infection is not always found and other factors may be involved.
Is prostatitis cancer?
No. Prostatitis is not prostate cancer. However, pelvic pain and urinary symptoms can have different causes, so your consultant may recommend appropriate tests to clarify the diagnosis.
Can prostatitis be treated?
Treatment depends on the type of prostatitis and the factors involved. Acute bacterial prostatitis may need antibiotics. Persistent symptoms can need a broader approach tailored to your assessment findings.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You are welcome to self-refer and arrange a consultation directly with our team.
Get prostatitis properly assessed
If pelvic pain, urinary symptoms or discomfort during ejaculation are affecting your daily life, our consultant urologists can help identify the likely cause and discuss the appropriate next steps.
- AppointmentBook a consultation
- Reception0118 920 7055
- Location
The Forbury Clinic London, 45 Queen Anne St, London, W1G 9J
