Prostate biopsy is required where there is suspicion of prostate cancer.
The biopsy can be performed by passing needles into the prostate through the rectum (transrectal biopsy) or the perineum (transperineal biopsy).

Advantages

  • Lower risk of infection
  • Better access to the anterior (front side) prostate
  • More accurate methods of targeting an abnormal area seen on MRI

What to expect

  • Perineal bruising and discomfort
  • Blood in urine, usually for up to 1 week
  • Blood in semen, usually for up to 1 month
  • Urinary frequency and urgency while prostate bruising from the biopsy resolves
  • Difficulty passing urine is uncommon, but occurs more often in patients with prior difficulty voiding, large prostates and with lesions next to the urethra
  • Inability to urinate requires urgent attendance at the nearest emergency department
  • Fever, sweats, nausea and vomiting are rare, but may indicate an infection in your blood (septicaemia) and urgent attendance at the nearest emergency department is required
  • Resume driving after 1-2 days when you are comfortable
  • Physical activities can resume when your urine is clear of blood.