Prostate Ultrasound: Procedure, Purpose, and When to Get It

A prostate ultrasound is a quick and non-invasive imaging test that typically takes less than 15 minutes. The results help doctors detect prostate conditions before they become severe or untreatable. Additionally, this ultrasound assists in guiding doctors during a prostate biopsy to collect tissue samples.

Contents

Prostate Ultrasound Procedure

1. Before the Procedure

Before undergoing a prostate ultrasound, your doctor may give you the following instructions:

Avoid eating for a few hours before the test.
Take a laxative or enema to clear your bowels several hours before the procedure.
Stop taking blood-thinning medications such as NSAIDs or aspirin about a week before the test (especially if a biopsy is planned).
Avoid wearing jewelry or tight clothing on the day of the procedure.
Take prescribed medications to help you relax, such as lorazepam (if sedation is required, arrange for someone to drive you home).

2. During the Procedure

You will change into a hospital gown and lie on your back or side with your knees bent.
A technician will apply ultrasound gel to a small imaging device (transducer) to improve image quality.
The transducer will be gently inserted into the rectum and moved around to capture prostate images from different angles.
If a biopsy is needed, a needle will be inserted alongside the transducer to collect prostate tissue samples.
You may feel pressure or slight discomfort, but local anesthesia or sedation can help ease discomfort if needed.

3. After the Procedure

You can resume normal activities immediately, although mild rectal discomfort may last a few days.
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.
In some cases, you may need to wait at the hospital for preliminary results, but a radiologist will usually analyze the images, and results will be available within a few days.
Your doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss the results.

Ultrasound images showing abnormalities, such as prostate enlargement, excessive tissue growth, or tumors, appear as bright white areas representing dense tissue.

Purpose of a Prostate Ultrasound and When to Get One

A prostate ultrasound is used to examine the size, shape, and structure of the prostate gland and detect potential abnormalities. The test provides high-resolution black-and-white images of the prostate and surrounding tissues.