It's normal to feel a little scared and nervous when your doctor tells you that you need to have an ultrasound and biopsy of your prostate. When we hear the word "biopsy," our minds immediately race to suspect cancer. But before we really get scared about this test, let's understand exactly what it is, why it's done, and how it's done. Then many of the questions you have in mind will be answered.
First, let's see, what is the prostate gland?
Simply put, the prostate is a small gland that is only found in a man's body. To be precise, it is located below your bladder. The tube that carries urine and sperm out of your body (urethra) passes through this gland. The main function of this gland is to produce the fluid that contains sperm, that is, semen. So if there is a problem with this gland, things like difficulty urinating and problems ejaculating can occur.
Why are you being asked to take this test?
There are two main reasons why a doctor might order this test for you.
1. Elevated PSA Levels: If your blood test shows a higher than normal level of a protein called Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) . PSA is a substance produced by the prostate gland. Elevated levels of this substance may indicate prostate cancer or other infections.
2. Abnormalities during physical examination: If your doctor notices an unusual lump, swelling, or other change in your prostate gland while examining you.
The important thing is, just because you have one of these two reasons, you can't say 100% that you have cancer. It's just a suspicion . This ultrasound and biopsy are done to confirm that suspicion or not.
What happens during the test? Let's take a step-by-step look at it.
The best way to overcome your fear of this test is to know what to expect. The entire procedure takes only about 10 minutes . It is performed by a urologist , a doctor who specializes in the urinary and reproductive systems.
| Steps | A simple description of what is happening |
|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | After you are taken to the examination room, you will be given an antibiotic to prevent infection. Then you will be asked to lie down on one side of the bed, with your knees pulled up to your chest. |
| 2. Numbness of the area | To reduce any discomfort you may feel, you may be given an injection or applied a gel to numb the area being tested. |
| 3. Ultrasound scan | Next, a lubricated, pencil-like instrument (ultrasound probe) is inserted through the anus. This allows a clear image of the prostate gland to be seen on a monitor. This is what helps the doctor determine exactly where to take tissue samples. |
| 4. Taking a biopsy | Now, a very thin needle is passed through the scanner and several very small tissue samples (usually about 10-12) are taken from different parts of the prostate gland. At this point, you may feel a slight pinch, but not much pain. |
| 5. End of the test | After the samples are taken, they are sent to the lab for further testing. After that, you can go home as normal. |
How should I prepare for this test?
This doesn't require much preparation, but there are a few things you should definitely discuss with your doctor and get advice on.
- Blood thinners: If you are taking blood thinners such as Warfarin, Clopidogrel (Plavix®), Aspirin, or Ibuprofen, be sure to tell your doctor . He or she will tell you how many days before the test you need to stop taking them. This is very important, as it can increase bleeding.
- Food and drink: In most cases, no special diet is needed. However, some doctors recommend that you eat a light meal and drink only liquids, such as water, before the test. Ask your doctor about this as well.
- Other instructions: You may be asked to use an enema to clean your rectum before the test. So, ask the hospital the day before the test to see if there are any special instructions.
What should I be concerned about after the test?
After the test is over, you can continue with your normal activities. You can also eat normally, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
However, there are some common side effects that you may experience. Don't worry about these, as they will go away on their own in a few days.
- Bleeding:
- It is normal to have a little blood in your urine and stool for about 3-5 days .
- You may experience some bleeding with your semen for 2-3 months . This is not harmful to you or your partner. It will go away completely after a while.
- Heavy lifting: To reduce the risk of bleeding, avoid lifting weights or doing strenuous work for 2-3 days after the test.
- Pain: Some people may experience some pain or discomfort for a few days. This is also normal.
- Difficulty urinating: Some people may have some difficulty urinating after the test. This usually resolves within a few days.
Warning signs to watch out for!
Major complications after this test are rare. However, if you experience any of the symptoms below, call your doctor immediately or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of your nearest hospital.
| When to seek immediate medical advice | |
|---|---|
| 🌡️ Fever | If the body temperature is above 100°F Fahrenheit (37.8°C Celsius). |
| 🥶 Feeling cold and shivering | If you suddenly feel cold and shivering. |
| 🩸 Excessive bleeding | If there is excessive bleeding with urine or stool. |
| 😖 Severe pain | If you experience unbearable pain. |
| 🚽 Inability to urinate | If you are unable to urinate at all. |
If you go to the ETU, don't forget to tell the doctors there that you had a prostate biopsy.
Once you receive your biopsy report, the doctor will call you. Based on that report, they will decide whether you have any medical condition or not, and what further treatment, if any, should be done.
Take-Home Message
- Prostate Ultrasound and Biopsy is a very important and common test performed to confirm a suspicion of prostate cancer or other disease.
- This test takes about 10 minutes and is not very painful.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any blood thinners you are taking before the test.
- It is normal to have a little blood in your urine, stool, or semen after the test. Don't worry about it.
- If you develop symptoms such as fever, heavy bleeding, or inability to urinate, seek medical advice immediately .
- Don't be afraid of this test. This is an important step in knowing exactly what your health is.
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