Symptoms

Many urological symptoms can have different causes. The list below is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned about a symptom, please contact your GP or a urologist.

• Blood in the urine (haematuria) Prompt assessment

  Visible or non-visible — always requires urological investigation.

• Weak or slow urinary stream

  Reduced urine flow — a common sign of an enlarged prostate gland.

• Frequency or nocturia

  Urinating every 1–2 hours, or waking at night to urinate.

• Urgency

  A sudden, compelling need to urinate that is difficult to defer.

• Loin or flank pain Prompt assessment

  Severe colic or persistent pain — often caused by a kidney or ureteric stone.

• Difficulty starting or incomplete emptying

  Hesitancy or sensation of incomplete bladder emptying.

• Recurrent urinary tract infections

  Repeated UTIs in men always need investigation for an underlying cause.

• A lump or swelling in the scrotum Prompt assessment

  Any new scrotal lump or swelling should be assessed promptly.

• Painless scrotal swelling

  May be a hydrocele, varicocele, or other cause — worth assessment.

• Erectile difficulties

  Erectile dysfunction affecting quality of life.

• Raised PSA

  Found incidentally or after screening — warrants urological assessment.

• Male urinary incontinence

  After prostate surgery or other causes — specialist assessment needed.