Prostate problems & PSAProstate problems and PSA what you need to knowWaterworks changes are common as men get older, and most are caused by a harmless enlarged prostate. Here is how to spot prostate problems, what a PSA blood test can and cannot tell you, and how to get checked in Dundee.Book a prostate checkCall 07857 761328If you cannot pass urine at all, or have a high fever with shaking, call 999 or go to A&E straight away.Same & next-day appointmentsPSA test with GP interpretationNo referral neededYou keep your NHS GPPSA blood test £1161What is it?2Signs to look for3Causes4Who is at risk5The PSA test6Your appointment7Prices8Looking after yourself9Get help now10FAQs Medically reviewed by Dr Sam R Bandularatne, MBBS, DFMS, MRCGP · GP Partner & GP Trainer · GMC 5208303OUR GP Dundee · Last reviewed November 2026Seen by a GMC-registered GPUnhurried, confidential checkPSA and urine testsReferral if neededStart hereWhat the prostate is, and why it mattersThe prostate is a small gland, about the size of a walnut, that sits just below the bladder and wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. It helps to make semen.The prostate usually grows slowly from middle age onwards. Because it surrounds the urethra, a bigger prostate can squeeze the tube and change how you pass urine. Doctors call these changes lower urinary tract symptoms, or LUTS.The three main prostate problems are an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH), prostatitis (infection or inflammation) and prostate cancer. Anyone with a prostate can be affected, including trans women and some non-binary people.Waterworks changes are commonMost are caused by an enlarged prostate, which is not cancer and does not lead to cancer.Early cancer is often silentEarly prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms, which is why age and risk matter more than how you feel.PSA is a clue, not a diagnosisA PSA blood test can point to a prostate problem, but cannot say on its own which one.Talking about it is normalGPs discuss prostate and waterworks problems every day, and you can ask for a chaperone.Back to top ↑Signs to look forSymptoms of a prostate problemThese changes are usually caused by an enlarged prostate, but they are worth checking, especially if they are new or getting worse.Needing to pass urine more often, especially at nightA weak or slow stream, or needing to strain to get startedSudden urges to go that are hard to put offDribbling at the end, or feeling the bladder has not emptiedPain or burning when passing urine, sometimes with a feverPain in the perineum (between the scrotum and back passage), lower back or groinBlood in the urine or semen, or new erection problemsBack, hip or bone pain, tiredness or weight loss you cannot explainMost men with early prostate cancer have no symptoms at all. Feeling well does not rule it out, so if you are at higher risk it is worth talking to a GP about a PSA test even without symptoms.At OUR GPPSA blood test (prostate check)For men with urinary symptoms, or men who want to talk through a PSA test with a doctor.The blood test, laboratory fees and a written interpretation of your result by a GP.Good to know: a raised PSA does not always mean cancer, and a normal result cannot rule it out completely.About our blood tests →£116With written GP interpretation · test only £90 Book nowBack to top ↑CausesCommon prostate problemsProstate problems are very common, and most are not cancer. A GP will ask about your symptoms and may examine you to work out which is most likely.ConditionWhat it meansEnlarged prostate (BPH)A non-cancerous growth of the prostate that is very common after 50. It can cause a weak stream, frequent trips to the toilet and getting up at night. Lifestyle changes, tablets or, sometimes, surgery can help.Acute prostatitisA bacterial infection of the prostate, often from a urine infection. It comes on quickly with fever, chills, pain low down or between the legs, and burning urine. It needs antibiotics promptly.Chronic prostatitisLong-lasting pelvic pain or discomfort, with or without infection, lasting three months or more. It can be frustrating but there are treatments that help.Prostate cancerThe most common cancer in men in Scotland. It is most often found in men over 50. Many prostate cancers grow slowly and may never cause harm, but some are faster growing and need treatment.Other causesAn overactive bladder, urine infection, diabetes, constipation, drinking a lot of caffeine or alcohol, and some medicines can cause similar waterworks symptoms.Who is more at risk of prostate cancerYour risk of prostate cancer is higher if you are:Aged 50 or over, and the risk keeps rising with ageBlack or of mixed Black ethnicity: around twice the risk, often at a younger ageA man whose father or brother has had prostate cancerA carrier of a BRCA gene variant, especially BRCA2From a family with breast or ovarian cancer linked to BRCALiving with obesity, which is linked to more advanced prostate cancerHigher risk? Talk to a GP from age 45. Prostate Cancer UK recommends that Black men, and men with a father or brother who had prostate cancer, discuss PSA testing from 45. Men with a BRCA2 variant are now offered regular PSA checks.Back to top ↑The PSA testThe PSA blood test: what it can and cannot tell youPSA (prostate specific antigen) is a protein made by the prostate. A small amount in the blood is normal, and the level rises gently with age and prostate size.A raised PSA can be caused by an enlarged prostate, prostatitis, a urine infection or prostate cancer, so the test is a clue rather than a diagnosis. There is no national PSA screening programme in Scotland, but anyone with a prostate can ask a GP about the test after talking through its benefits and limits.It can helpFind prostate cancer before symptoms start, including faster-growing cancers at a stage when treatment works best.False alarms are commonAbout 3 in 4 men with a raised PSA do not have cancer, and may need more tests that can cause worry.It can miss cancerAround 1 in 7 men with a normal PSA may still have prostate cancer, so a normal result is not a guarantee.OverdiagnosisIt can find slow-growing cancers that would never have caused harm. Many of these are safely monitored rather than treated.Getting ready for a PSA testAvoid ejaculation for 48 hours before the testAvoid vigorous exercise, especially cycling, for 48 hoursAvoid receptive anal sex or prostate stimulation for a weekWait 6 weeks after a urine infection, prostate biopsy or catheterTell us about finasteride or dutasteride, which roughly halve PSANo need to fast: eat and drink as normalWhat is a normal PSA?There is no single cut-off. Most men have a PSA below 3 ng/mL, and doctors use age-specific limits to decide whether a result needs further tests. As a rough guide, these are the levels above which a GP would consider referral when someone has possible symptoms:AgePSA level to consider referralUnder 40Clinical judgement40 to 49More than 2.5 ng/mL50 to 59More than 3.5 ng/mL60 to 69More than 4.5 ng/mL70 to 79More than 6.5 ng/mL80 and overClinical judgement, taking general health into accountSource: NICE CKS age-specific thresholds. Scottish laboratories and referral guidelines may use slightly different limits, and your GP will interpret your result alongside your symptoms, examination and risk.If your PSA is raised, it is not a cancer diagnosis. The test is often repeated first. If it stays high, or the prostate feels unusual on examination, you may be referred to a urology team for an MRI scan, and a biopsy only if the scan shows an area of concern.Had a raised PSA? Ask about Stockholm3. If you are aged 45 to 74 and your PSA is 1.5 or higher, the Stockholm3 blood test combines blood proteins, genetic markers and your family history into one risk score. It can give a clearer picture before deciding about an MRI scan or biopsy. It costs £535 and results take about 2 weeks. Read about the Stockholm3 test →Back to top ↑Your appointmentWhat the GP will doThe aim is to find the cause of your symptoms, or to help you decide whether a PSA test is right for you.Talk it throughYour symptoms, how much they bother you, your family history and your general health, plus the benefits and limits of a PSA test.Examine youThe GP may feel your tummy and, if you agree, gently check the prostate through the back passage (a digital rectal examination). You can say no, and can ask for a chaperone.Arrange testsA urine test to check for infection or blood, a PSA blood test if you choose one, and sometimes kidney function. You may be asked to keep a bladder diary.Agree a planAdvice and treatment for an enlarged prostate or infection, a repeat PSA, or an urgent referral to a urology team when needed.Back to top ↑PricesPrivate Prostate & Well Man PackagesAll packages include GMC-registered GP clinical oversight and interpretation of your results.Prostate blood test£116PSA blood test with written GP interpretationPSA blood sampleLaboratory analysisWritten interpretation of your result by a GPTest only, without interpretation: £90 Book prostate blood testStockholm3 prostate test£535Aged 45 to 74 with a PSA of 1.5 or higherTwo blood samples, couriered to a specialist laboratoryRisk score from blood proteins, genetic markers and your historyResults in about 2 weeksResult explained by a GPAbout the Stockholm3 test → Book Stockholm3 testMost popularWell Man Silver£433Comprehensive men’s health checkHealth questionnaireInitial GP consultationBlood pressure, pulse, oxygen, temperature, height and weightExamination of heart, lungs and abdomenBlood sample and urine testWritten results report from a GPBlood panel: active vitamin B12, thyroid, CRP (high sensitivity), creatine kinase, folate, full blood count, HbA1c, iron profile, kidney function, cholesterol, liver function, magnesium, testosterone, uric acid and vitamin D. PSA available as an add-on. Book Well Man SilverWell Man Gold£455Premium check with PSA includedEverything in Well Man SilverPSA test included as standardBlood sample and urine testWritten results report from a GPBlood panel 40+: thyroid, CRP (high sensitivity), creatinine, creatine kinase, folate, full blood count, HbA1c, iron profile, kidney function, cholesterol, liver function, magnesium, testosterone, uric acid, vitamin profile and PSA. Book Well Man GoldAll prices include VAT. Same-day appointments are often available. View our full price list.Back to top ↑Self-careLooking after yourselfIf an enlarged prostate is causing mild symptoms, simple changes can make a real difference.Drink steadilyDrink enough through the day, but cut down in the two hours before bed to reduce night-time trips.Cut back on bladder irritantsCaffeine, fizzy drinks and alcohol can make urgency and frequency worse.Empty fullyWait a moment and try again after passing urine, and gently press behind the scrotum to stop after-dribble.Train your bladderPelvic floor exercises and gradually holding on a little longer can ease urgency over a few weeks.Review your medicinesSome cold remedies, antihistamines and diuretics can affect your bladder. Ask a GP or pharmacist.Stay healthyKeep active, keep to a healthy weight and avoid constipation, which can all help prostate health. Prostate problems and PSADownload our prostate problems and PSA leafletA free two-page guide for patients, families and carers: prostate symptoms, common prostate problems, how to get ready for a PSA test, and when to get help. Print it, or share it with a partner, father or friend.PDF · 2 pages · A4 · 224 KBDownload leaflet (PDF)Open to printBack to top ↑Get help nowWhen it can’t waitCall 999 or go to A&E now ifyou cannot pass urine at all, especially with a painful, swollen lower tummy · you have a high fever with shaking and feel very unwell · you have new back pain with weakness, numbness or tingling in the legs · you lose control of your bladder or bowelsContact a GP the same day, or NHS 24 on 111 out of hours, ifyou have a fever with pain low down, between the legs or when passing urine, you see blood in your urine, you are passing much less urine than usual, or your symptoms are getting worse quickly.Book a routine appointment for waterworks changes that have built up slowly, or to talk about a PSA test. A private appointment is not a substitute for emergency care. If you are unsure, call 999 or NHS 24 on 111.Back to top ↑FAQsCommon questions Does an enlarged prostate mean cancer?No. An enlarged prostate (BPH) is very common as men get older and is not cancer. It does not turn into cancer, although both conditions can happen at the same time, which is why a GP may still talk to you about a PSA test. Can a PSA test diagnose prostate cancer?No. A PSA test only shows whether your level is higher than expected. A raised PSA can be caused by an enlarged prostate, infection or cancer. An MRI scan and sometimes a biopsy are needed to diagnose prostate cancer. Do I need to fast before a PSA test?No. You can eat and drink as normal. Avoid ejaculation and vigorous exercise such as cycling for 48 hours beforehand, and wait 6 weeks after a urine infection, biopsy or catheter. At what age should I think about a PSA test?Most men can talk to a GP about a PSA test from age 50. Black men, men with a father or brother who had prostate cancer, and men with a BRCA gene variant should think about it from 45. Can I have a private PSA test in Dundee without a referral?Yes. OUR GP offers a PSA blood test with written GP interpretation for £116, or the test only for £90, with no referral needed. A GP reviews your result and can refer you on if needed. What happens if my PSA is high?A raised PSA does not mean you have cancer. The test is often repeated after a few weeks. If it is still raised, or the prostate feels unusual, you may be referred for an MRI scan of the prostate, with a biopsy only if the scan shows an area of concern.Can’t pass urine?If you cannot pass urine at all, call 999 or go to A&E. Out of hours, call NHS 24 on 111.Back to top ↑EvidenceWhere this information comes fromThis page follows UK and Scottish guidance on lower urinary tract symptoms, prostate disease and PSA testing.NICE CKS: LUTS in men, investigationsNICE CKS: Prostate cancer, assessmentBMJ Best Practice: Benign prostatic hyperplasiaBMJ Best Practice: Acute prostatitisBMJ Best Practice: Prostate cancerScottish referral guidelines for suspected cancer: prostate cancerProstate Cancer UK: The PSA blood testBack to top ↑Worried about your prostate?Book a GP appointment or a prostate blood test with doctor interpretation in Dundee.Book an appointmentWhatsApp 07857 761328This page is general information and is not medical advice or a diagnosis. What’s appropriate is a clinical decision made with a GP at your appointment. OUR GP is a trading name of SRS Health Group Limited, regulated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland. All doctors hold a licence to practise with the General Medical Council. Meet our team. We see patients from Dundee, Angus, Perthshire and Fife. More questions? See our FAQs.