Prostate Ultrasound
Prostate and bladder ultrasound at Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives. Assessment of prostate size and bladder emptying, performed with discretion. Serving the North Shore — Turramurra, Gordon, Pymble & surrounds.
What Does a Prostate Ultrasound Assess?
A prostate ultrasound is most commonly performed through the lower abdomen, with a full bladder providing a clear window to the prostate. It measures the size of the gland and shows how well the bladder is emptying — the two pieces of information most useful in assessing urinary symptoms.
A prostate ultrasound is used to assess:
- The size and volume of the prostate gland
- Enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
- The effect of an enlarged prostate on the bladder outlet
- Bladder wall thickening caused by long-standing obstruction
- How much urine remains in the bladder after passing urine
- Change in prostate size over time
- Response to treatment for prostate enlargement
Â
At Epoch Medical Imaging in St Ives Shopping Village, prostate ultrasound is performed by experienced sonographers and reported by specialist radiologists.
Common Reasons for Referral
Urinary symptoms in men are common and usually relate to gradual enlargement of the prostate. Ultrasound helps your doctor understand what is driving them.
Common reasons for referral include:
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination, or a weak stream
- Needing to pass urine frequently or urgently
- Getting up repeatedly during the night to pass urine
- A sensation that the bladder has not emptied fully
- A raised PSA result requiring further assessment
- Monitoring known prostate enlargement
- Assessment before or after treatment
Where prostate cancer is suspected, multiparametric MRI is now the preferred imaging investigation and is also available at Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives Shopping Village. Your GP or urologist will advise which is appropriate for you.
Preparation & What to Expect on the Day
Preparation is simple, but a full bladder is essential — without it the prostate cannot be seen clearly.
How to prepare:
- Drink one litre of water approximately one hour before your appointment.
- Do not empty your bladder before the scan.
- No fasting is required unless your referral also includes the upper abdomen — our team will confirm when you book.
- Wear comfortable, two-piece clothing.
On the day:
- You will lie on your back on the examination couch.
- Warm gel is applied to the lower abdomen and a small probe is moved over the area.
- The scan takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes and is painless.
- You will then be asked to empty your bladder and return for a brief second scan measuring the volume remaining.
- If your referral specifically requests a transrectal study, our team will explain what this involves at the time of booking.
Your report is sent to your referring doctor within 24 to 48 hours. To book at Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives Shopping Village, call (02) 9129 6999.
Bulk Billing
Available Here
All Referrals Accepted
We Handle Your
Insurance Claims
We Accept All Workers Compensation Cases
Get in Touch
Have a question or ready to book? Our friendly team is here to help with appointments, referrals and any imaging enquiries you may have.
Working Hours
Monday - Wednesday, Friday 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday - 08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Saturday - 08:30 AM - 1:00 PM