Urology
Urology is a surgical speciality, covering the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, prostate and male reproductive organs.
Information for patients referred with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)
If you have been sent to this page, it is likely because your GP has referred you to our Urology team for problems with passing urine.
These problems are often called lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and are very common in men, especially as they get older. Symptoms can include:
- A weak or slow urine stream
- Difficulty starting to pass urine
- Needing to pass urine more often, especially at night
- Feeling that your bladder does not empty fully
- Needing to rush to the toilet
In many men, these symptoms are caused by an enlarged prostate gland pressing on the tube that carries urine out of the bladder (the urethra). This is sometimes called bladder outlet obstruction.
The prostate enlargement is usually benign (not cancer).
This page explains what happens next and what you can expect from your care.
Your care – step by step
Referral from your GP
Your GP refers you to our urology service if urinary symptoms are affecting your quality of life.
We normally accept referrals only after you have already tried medication (such as tablets to relax or shrink the prostate) and these have not helped enough. This ensures that more invasive treatments are only considered when appropriate.
Review of your referral
A specialist clinician reviews your referral letter, symptoms and test results.
If the referral is suitable, you will be offered an appointment in our Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) clinic. If not, we may advise your GP about other treatment options.
Appointment information by text message
You will receive a text message confirming your clinic appointment.
The message will ask you to:
- Attend with a comfortably full bladder (so we can carry out urine flow tests)
- Check this website for further instructions, such as bringing a list of your medications
Booking and clinic records
Your details are added to our secure hospital system. This allows us to organise your appointment, tests and follow-up care.
Your clinic visits and tests
At your appointment, we will carry out several routine checks to understand your symptoms better. These may include:
- Urine flow test
- Bladder scan
- Prostate examination
- Ultrasound scan
- Blood tests
There may be a questionnaire about your symptoms and quality of life.
If needed, we may arrange further tests such as:
- Urodynamic studies
- Cystoscopy
- Ultrasound scan of the kidneys and upper urinary tract
Discussing treatment options
After reviewing your results, the clinician will talk through the best options for you. This will depend on your symptoms, prostate size, test results and overall health.
Options may include:
- Continued or adjusted medication
- Long-term catheter
- Intermittent self-catheterisation (ISC)
- Small invasive procedure
- Surgical procedure
The doctor will explain how each option works, the expected benefits, possible side effects and risks and recovery time.
You will have time to ask questions and decide what feels right for you.
Checking for prostate cancer if needed
Most enlarged prostates are not cancer.
However, if:
- Your PSA blood test is higher than expected, or
- The prostate examination feels unusual
You may be moved onto a prostate cancer assessment pathway for further checks, such as an MRI scan or biopsy. This is done as a precaution.
Your treatment
If you choose to go ahead with a procedure or surgery, we will book this for you.
You will receive clear written information beforehand, including:
- What happens on the day
- Anaesthetic options
- Possible risks
- Recovery and aftercare
Many treatments are done as a day case or with a short hospital stay.
Follow-up after treatment
Around three months after your treatment, you will be invited for follow-up tests to check your urine flow and symptoms.
You will then have an appointment with your surgeon to:
- Review your progress
- Discuss any ongoing symptoms
- Plan further care if needed
Need more information?
If you have questions before your appointment, please contact the urology team by calling 01553 613589 or speak to your GP.
Patient information is available from the NHS website and the British Association of Urological Surgeons.
Page reviewed: 27 January 2026
Next review due: 26 January 2029