Prostate biopsy

• You will usually have an MRI scan to see if you need a biopsy. If you need a biopsy, the MRI scan can also help to show the doctors where to take samples from.  
• You will take an antibiotic tablet or have an antibiotic injection before the biopsy to reduce the risk of infection after the test.
• You will be positioned in special supports to help the surgeon access the skin between you scrotum and rectum (perineum). Your scrotum may be taped in place out of the way and your perineum will be cleaned with antiseptic solution. 
• If you’re having a general anaesthetic, you may have a tube put into your bladder through your urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine (pee) from your bladder through your penis. The tube will be removed later in the day or the next morning.
• Before inserting the ultrasound probe, the doctor may examine your prostate by putting a gloved finger into your rectum (back passage).

Usually you will have a local anaesthetic injection around the area of the prostate gland to help numb it. It might sting for a few seconds, until the area goes numb.

In some cases, the biopsy is done with a spinal or general anaesthetic in the operating theatre. If you are having a general anaesthetic, an anaesthetist will see you before the test to discuss the type of anaesthetic and pain relief after the procedure. 

You should be able to go home after couple of hours if the procedure is done under local anaesthetic or within 24 hours if it is done under general anaesthetic. If you have a general anaesthetic, you will need a lift home.

Drink plenty of fluids after the test. This can help stop any bleeding.

You will be given antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. Take these and any other medications you are given as instructed. It’s important to finish the whole course of antibiotics. 

After-effects vary from person to person. Ask your surgeon’s advice about what to expect and how to manage any after-effects. They may include:

• Blood in your urine for up to 10 days, with the occasional blood clot 
• Blood in your semen, which can last up to six weeks (this poses no risk to you or your sexual partner) 
• Bruising in your perineum
• Discomfort in your prostate area 
• Temporary problems with erections from the bruising 

Rarer after-effects include not being able to pass urine (pee), bleeding in your urine that needs to be treated in hospital, urine infections that need antibiotics and serious blood infections (septicaemia) that need emergency hospital treatment. If the bleeding in your urine does not stop, contact your GP or specialist nurse for advice. 

If you cannot pass urine at all, contact your GP immediately or go to your local emergency department. 

You will take antibiotics before the biopsy to reduce the risk of infection after the test. You should have a local anaesthetic injection around the area of the prostate gland to help numb it. 

You will have a local anaesthetic injection around the area of the prostate gland to help numb it.  

Yes it can be uncomfortable.  Some people describe it like the sting you get from being flicked with an elastic band.

You will be given antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. Take them as instructed and always finish the whole course.

Drink plenty of fluids for 24 hours after the biopsy. 

You will probably have some blood in your urine (pee) and poo for a week or 2 afterwards and in your semen for around 6-8 weeks. 

There’s a higher risk of infection after this type of biopsy rather than the transperineal type. Go to your GP or emergency department if you have:

• A high temperature
• Flu-like symptoms
• Burning sensation when passing urine
• Difficulty passing urine