Urology

Understanding and Treating Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Urinary tract infections are among the most common bacterial infections, affecting millions each year. Whilst UTIs can often be treated easily, recurrent infections may signal more complex health issues.

At Haven Medical, we work with a team of Consultant Urologists who have years of experience helping those affected by UTIs.

UTIs in Women

Around 50–60% of women will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime, with around 20–30% of women developing recurrent UTIs, defined as two or more infections within six months or three or more in a year.

These repeated infections may be linked to hormonal changes, anatomy, sexual activity, or incomplete bladder emptying.  Symptoms can vary in severity, but can be painful and prevent normal day-to-day activities from taking place, even preventing people from working.

Common symptoms include:

• Increased urgency and frequency of urination
• Nocturia (frequent urination at night)
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Urinary incontinence or difficulty passing urine
• Feeling generally unwell and in pain

There are several treatment options for women who experience recurrent UTIs including  medications such as methenamine hippurate, long term antibiotics, hormone replacement therapy (to stabilise levels of oestrogen) and lifestyle changes.

UTIs in Men

Although less common than in women, UTIs in men can be more complex and are often associated with underlying conditions such as prostate enlargement, urinary retention, or infections of the bladder or prostate.

Symptoms may include:

• Frequent urination, particularly at night
• Weak or interrupted urine flow
• Discomfort or difficulty urinating
• Fever or pelvic pain in more advanced cases

Our team conducts full assessments, including prostate examinations when appropriate. We also offer advanced diagnostics, such as the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test, to evaluate prostate health and screen for potential complications like cancer.

Our Approach at Haven Medical

Recurrent UTIs can significantly affect day-to-day life, which is why we focus on clear answers and effective treatment. Our services include:

• In-depth consultations and physical examinations
• Tailored treatment plans, adapted to your specific health profile
• Access to advanced testing, including PSA screening
• A private, respectful, and professional environment

If you’re experiencing ongoing urinary symptoms, seeking timely evaluation is key. Appointments with our team of Urologists are often available within a few days, with appointments with our GPs available same or next day.

The prostate is a small gland about the size of a walnut that sits just below the bladder in men. It plays an important role in male reproductive health by helping to produce the fluid that carries sperm.

Prostatic symptoms are common in men, particularly with age, and may include:

• Increased frequency of urination, especially at night (nocturia)
• Urinary incontinence
• Difficulty starting or maintaining a urine stream

These symptoms are often caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. However, similar symptoms can sometimes signal more serious conditions, including prostate cancer.

It’s important to note that while elevated PSA levels can be indicative of various prostate issues, including inflammation, enlargement, or cancer, further evaluation is necessary to establish a precise diagnosis and treatment regime.

Read more about the importance of a PSA test here

Read more about PSA testing here

We understand the concerns raised by elevated PSA levels in men. While the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test is crucial for assessing prostate health, high PSA levels don’t always indicate cancer. They can also be caused by benign conditions like prostate enlargement or inflammation.

If you have concerns—whether due to elevated PSA levels, symptoms, or a family history of prostate cancer—booking an appointment with a Consultant Urologist is a recommended first step.

There are several options available to men looking to check their prostate health available at Haven Medical.

A PSA test (Prostate-Specific Antigen test) measures the level of PSA — a protein produced by both normal and cancerous cells in the prostate — in a man’s blood.  There are limitations to the test, for instance false negatives, and higher than ‘normal’ PSA levels can be caused by other reasons, but it presents a cost effective way of assessing your PSA levels.

The Stockholm3 test is an advanced blood test designed to improve the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer — the types of cancer that are more likely to require treatment.  The Stockholm3 test is considered to be a more precise and comprehensive assessment than the PSA.

The Stockholm3 test looks at:

• PSA levels
• Four additional prostate-specific biomarkers
• Genetic markers (over 100 genetic variants associated with prostate cancer)

If you would like to find out more about PSA or Stockholm3 testing, please call 01202 110303 or email [email protected]

If further evaluation is needed beyond standard tests like the PSA test, we may recommend a Prostate MRI. This non-invasive imaging technique offers detailed images of the prostate and surrounding tissues, helping identify abnormalities such as tumors, inflammation, or enlargement with high accuracy.

A prostate biopsy may be recommended if there are concerns such as elevated PSA levels or unusual findings on an MRI. The procedure involves taking small tissue samples from the prostate to check for signs of cancer or other abnormalities.

At Haven Medical, we use the latest techniques to perform biopsies with precision and minimal discomfort, carried out by a Consultant Urologist.

An ultrasound of the bladder and kidneys is a safe, non-invasive imaging test used to help diagnose and monitor a range of urinary tract conditions, such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and other abnormalities. Using sound waves, it creates detailed images of the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and in some cases, the prostate allowing a urologist to assess the health and function of these organs.

Kidney Stones:
Ultrasound can identify kidney stones, providing details about their size, location, and potential to block urine flow—often a cause of significant pain.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs):
It can help detect signs of infection in the kidneys and bladder, such as swelling or fluid buildup, supporting accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Other Abnormalities:
Ultrasound imaging can reveal a range of issues, including cysts, tumors, obstructions, and hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidney caused by urine buildup).

Bladder Conditions:
The scan can assess the bladder wall, check for diverticula (small pouches), and identify bladder stones or larger tumors that may require further investigation.

Ultrasounds can also be used to monitor conditions such as kidney stones and changes in the prostate, helping to track progress and guide ongoing care.

If you have been referred for an ultrasound of your bladder, kidney or both we are able to offer appointments, often within a few days. The Urologist will explain the results to you and advise you on possible treatment options.