Overview

Transrectal ultrasound allows the radiologist to closely examine the prostate gland for abnormalities.  At certain times, multiple biopsies of the prostate gland may be performed to examine for any evidence of cancer or inflammation.

Sometimes transrectal ultrasound of the prostate is used to diagnose the cause of male infertility.

Preparation for Your Exam

For the transrectal prostate exam, a "Fleet" enema should be taken about four hours before the exam.  This preparation with instructions can be bought from your local pharmacy.  If a biopsy is going to be performed, as it usually will be, your doctor will give you some antibiotics and instructions when to take them.

During The Exam

How is the exam performed?
An ultrasound transducer about the size of a finger is placed into the rectum and the prostate is scanned.

How long will the prostate exam take?
A prostate exam with or without the biopsy will take about 15 to 25 minutes.

What happens in the ultrasound room?
After changing into hospital garb you will be escorted into the ultrasound exam room.  You will be asked to lie on a table on your left side with your knees bent.  A transducer will be carefully inserted into your rectum by the sonographer or radiologist.  Pictures and measurements of the prostate will then be taken.  If a biopsy is to be performed either the urologist or the radiologist will then take between six to eight biopsies.  A small needle is inserted very rapidly into the prostate gland.  The tissue will be sent to the pathology department for preparation.

Will it hurt?
Yes, but not very much and not as much as most people think.  The prostate is not very sensitive to the biopsy needle.  The vast majority of men tolerate the procedure very well -- typically the anxiety they experience prior to the biopsy is considerably worse than the biopsy itself.

After the exam

You may experience some mucous or a small amount of bleeding from your rectum after the prostate exam.  There may be some minor discomfort after a biopsy and some small amount of blood in the urine or rectum for up to 48 hours.  Blood in the semen is also common.  These are not cause for concern if the amounts are small.

Getting Your Results

The results of the prostate ultrasound will be available to your doctor on the day following your exam.  Biopsy results are generally several days after the procedure.  Please call your urologist for the results of the biopsy.