Expert Care for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Recurrent UTIs in London
Dr Elsie Mensah provides specialist assessment and treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs), lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), recurrent infections, and other lower urinary tract problems in London. She understands the negative impact these symptoms can have on health and quality of life and is committed to working with you to diagnose and treat the problem.
Introduction:
Dr Elsie Mensah has extensive urology experience in London and can investigate and treat a wide range of urinary tract and lower urinary tract conditions, offering accurate diagnosis and tailored management plans to improve health and quality of life.
Recurrent and Chronic UTIs:
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection affecting the bladder, urethra, or kidneys. Recurrent UTIs are repeated infections, often defined as two or more infections in six months or three or more in a year. Chronic UTIs may be persistent or resistant to standard treatment.
Urinary Incontinence (Male & Female):
Incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine. This can be a presenting symptom for other conditions or may be secondary to previous treatments. Thorough evaluation is important to ensure effective treatment.
Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS):
LUTS include problems with urine storage, voiding, or post-voiding, such as urgency, frequency, weak stream, or incomplete bladder emptying. These symptoms can affect both men and women. Male LUTS are covered more thoroughly in another section.
Other Conditions:
Interstitial Cystitis / Bladder Pain Syndrome: Chronic bladder discomfort or pain with urinary symptoms.
Prostatitis (Men): Inflammation of the prostate causing urinary symptoms.
Kidney or Bladder Stones: Can cause pain, infection, or difficulty urinating.
What I Treat
Common Symptoms:
Painful or burning urination – Frequent urination or urgency – Blood in urine (hematuria) – Lower abdominal or pelvic discomfort – Recurrent fevers or malaise (with kidney involvement), loin or back pain, offensive smelling or cloudy urine, blood in the semen.
Main Causes of UTIs:
Bacterial infection (commonly E. coli) – Incomplete bladder emptying – Catheter use or urinary instrumentation – Anatomical urinary tract abnormalities or kidney stones
Key Risk Factors:
Female sex (women are more commonly affected) – Age over 65 – Diabetes mellitus – Urinary retention or obstruction
Symptoms and Causes
Who Needs an Assessment?
- Assessment is recommended for: Individuals experiencing frequent, painful, or urgent urination
- Those with recurrent or chronic UTIs.
- Patients noticing blood in urine.
- People with risk factors such as diabetes, age-related bladder changes, or anatomical urinary issues
Both men and women can be affected, but women are generally more prone to UTIs, while men may present with LUTS or prostate-related urinary symptoms. Early assessment improves outcomes and prevents complications.
My Assessment & Diagnosis Process
Dr Elsie Mensah provides a patient-focused and thorough diagnostic process for lower urinary tract conditions.
The process includes:
- Clinical Consultation: Review of symptoms, medical history, and previous infections
- Physical Examination: Including abdominal, pelvic, and, if necessary, prostate examination in men
- Laboratory Testing: Urine culture, semen culture, blood tests
- Cystoscopy to assess the bladder and urethra as well as Imaging: Ultrasound, CT, or MRI if structural abnormalities are suspected
- Functional Studies: Uroflowmetry, post-void residual measurements, urodynamic studies
- Treatment Planning: Personalised management options discussed, including antibiotics, lifestyle advice, or surgical interventions if indicated
Why Choose Dr Elsie Mensah?
- Expertise in evaluating and managing a range of urological conditions
- Patient-Centered Care: Focused on comfort, clear communication, and personalised treatment plans
- Academic and Teaching Excellence: National speaker and faculty in workshops on urinary tract and prostate conditions
- Research and Evidence-Based Practice: Active in clinical studies and audits to ensure best practice
FAQs
A UTI is an infection in any part of the urinary system – the kidneys, bladder, or urethra – usually caused by bacteria. Symptoms often include burning urination, urgency, frequency, and lower abdominal discomfort.
Recurrent UTIs can be caused by incomplete bladder emptying, structural abnormalities, kidney stones, catheter use, or certain medical conditions like diabetes. Some individuals are more prone due to genetics or immune factors.
LUTS include difficulties with urine storage, voiding, or post-voiding, such as weak flow, urgency, frequency, or incomplete bladder emptying. They are common in both men and women and can indicate underlying bladder or prostate issues.
Diagnosis typically involves a detailed medical history, physical examination, urine culture, urinalysis, and sometimes imaging or functional studies to check for anatomical or functional issues.
Treatment may involve a combination of antibiotics, lifestyle modifications (hydration, voiding habits), and, if indicated, surgical or procedural interventions to address underlying causes. Dr Elsie Mensah creates personalised plans to prevent recurrence and improve urinary health.
Contact Us
Elsie Mensah’s secretary:
Ms Tamara Cenadi
Address:
- HCA UK at The Shard, St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9BS
- 1 Welbeck Street, Marylebone, London, W1G 0AR