our urologist (Dr. Sharp or Dr. Nimeh) will use a prostate ultrasound to examine your prostate, take important measurements to know the size of your prostate and when necessary, perform a prostate biopsy to diagnose cancer or other problems. Preparation is minimal and the procedure is short.
What is a prostate ultrasound and biopsy, and why would you need one?
The prostate is the part of your body that makes fluid for semen, which is the fluid that carries sperm. The gland surrounds part of your urethra, which is the tube that carries urine and sperm outside of the body. The prostate has muscles that move the sperm out of the body.
If you are having problems with your prostate, you might be having difficulties related to pushing urine or sperm out of your urethra and penis Dr Nimeh may ask you to have a prostate ultrasound and biopsy to check for prostate cancer.
A prostate ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum and uses sound waves to produce images inside the rectum to help image the prostate and guide the doctor in taking measurements of the prostate to figure out the size of the prostate, and if needed a biopsy (tissue sample) of the prostate gland can be taken as well while this is done.
What can you expect during a prostate ultrasound?
The procedure is short and generally only takes about 10 minutes. Upon arrival in the examination room, you will be given antibiotics to prevent infection. You will be asked to lie on your side and bring your knees to your chest. A lubricated probe is inserted into the rectum to generate the ultrasound.