Prostate Biopsy

If cancer is found, this is likely to be a big shock for you. Our specialist consultants and staff are always on hand to help and support you.

The next steps will depend on how severe and advanced the cancer is. Further investigations may include:

• PET scans

• bone scans

• CT scans

If your biopsy results are benign, but your PSA levels are raised, your consultant may suggest regular blood tests to monitor your levels over time.

A transperineal biopsy is a safe procedure and only uses a small dose of radiation. The benefits of detecting any potential problems far outweigh the minimal radiation risks.

Sometimes, a prostate biopsy can cause side effects, but symptoms should clear up soon after the procedure. These include:

• pain or discomfort – felt in the back passage area (rectum), as a dull ache along the underside of your penis or lower stomach, or as bruising and discomfort in the area where the needle was inserted. This should only last a few days

• mild bleeding – you may see a small amount of blood in your urine, bowel movements or semen for about 2 weeks after the biopsy. This should get better on its own

• sexual problems – you might have problems getting or keeping an erection (erectile dysfunction), but this is rare and should get better within 2 months

• difficulty passing urine – this can happen immediately after the procedure because the biopsy can cause the prostate to swell. Your doctor will make sure you can urinate before you go home 

It’s rare and much more likely to happen if you have a TRUS biopsy, but the procedure may cause a urine infection in some men. Symptoms include:

• pain or a burning feeling when you urinate (pee)

• dark or cloudy urine with a strong smell

• needing to pee more urgently or more often than usual

• pain in your lower stomach or back

See a doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

To prepare for your prostate biopsy, you may need to:

• provide a urine sample – to check if you have a urinary tract infection. If you do, your prostate biopsy will likely be postponed until the infection has cleared

• stop taking certain medications 5 days beforehand – such as those that increase your risk of bleeding, including warfarin, aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain herbal supplements

• do a cleansing enema at home – if this is needed, instructions will be provided beforehand

• take antibiotics – taking these before your prostate biopsy can help prevent infection from the procedure

Specific preparation for a prostate biopsy can vary from person to person. When you make your appointment, you’ll be given all the details you need.

You can usually go home the same day of your prostate biopsy. It’s recommended to only take part in light activities for the next 1 to 2 days after the procedure.

You may need to take an antibiotic for a few days and avoid having anal sex for 2 weeks afterwards, or until any pain and discomfort has settled.

Take painkillers, such as paracetamol, for mild pain, but if any of the side effects last longer than they should, talk to your consultant.

Please contact our Men’s Health centre for pricing information.

At Welbeck, our men’s health specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book a prostate biopsy, you must be referred by either your GP or a urologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a urologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

How long does a prostate biopsy take?

At Welbeck, a transperineal biopsy usually takes about 20 to 40 minutes. You will be able to go home as normal afterwards, but your consultant may ask you to wait until you’ve urinated. This is to make sure you can do so normally before you leave.

How many samples are taken during a prostate biopsy?

There are 2 main types of transperineal biopsy. A targeted transperineal biopsy takes just a few samples from the area of the prostate that looked unusual on the scan images from your MRI. A template transperineal biopsy takes up to 25 or more samples from different areas of the prostate.

What else can a prostate biopsy reveal?

As well as cancer, a prostate biopsy may find other changes to your prostate cells, called prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) or atypical small acinar proliferation (ASAP). Neither of these are cancer itself, but they can be a precursor to prostate cancer.

Do I need to fast before a prostate biopsy?

No, you can eat and drink as normal before a prostate biopsy.