Why You Need This Test If a potential prostate problem is identified through a (DRE) digital rectal exam or a PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test, your doctor may suggest that you have an ultrasound. This imaging technique, along with a possible biopsy (tissue sample), helps your doctor discover cancer early, when it's more likely to be treatable. What Ultrasound Reveals Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the prostate gland. This can help your doctor identify abnormalities in the gland. How Ultrasound is Done The ultrasound test is simple and is often done in your doctor's office. It usually takes less then 15 minutes. To clear your rectum, you may be asked to use an enema or suppository beforehand. Creating the Image You will lie on your side and a tube-like probe barely bigger than a thumb is covered with a condom and your doctor gently inserts the probe into your rectum. The probe emits sound waves, creating a image of your prostate on a video screen. Your doctor views the image, looking at the size, shape, and structure of your prostate. If a Biopsy is Needed If your doctor finds suspicious areas in your prostate or if your PSA blood test is abnormal, a biopsy may be recommended. You'll be given antibiotics both before and after the test. To do the biopsy, your doctor takes tissue samples from the suspicious areas of your prostate for examination. A biopsy is often done during the ultrasound test. Taking the Sample The small tip of the biopsy needle is inserted through a needle guide attached to the probe in order to take samples of prostate tissue. One or more tissue samples are taken from the prostate (this is only slightly uncomfortable). Your tissue samples are sent to a lab for examination. After Your Biopsy When the results of your biopsy are ready, your doctor will talk with you about them and any further exams or treatment that may be needed. You may notice some rectal bleeding or blood in your urine for a few days. You may see blood in your semen for two to three weeks. Ask your doctor if you should temporarily limit exercise or sexual intercourse after your biopsy. Call your doctor if you have a fever, excessive urinary or rectal bleeding, muscle aches, fatigue, or difficulty urinating. Your Prostate Just below your bladder and in front of your rectum is a small, muscular gland called the prostate. It wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine from your bladder. Your prostate produces most of your semen, the fluid that carries sperm. At Risk for Cancer If cells in the prostate change abnormally, cancer may form. Cancer often appears in the outer areas of the prostate (near the rectum) before spreading to the inner areas of the gland. Usually, there are no symptoms unless the growth begins to press on the urethra. Preventing Future Problems Ultrasound alone is not a complete prostate examination; it's used to investigate abnormalities found by other tests. Even if no problems show up on your ultrasound scan, continue to have regular prostate exams. The American Cancer Society recommends yearly digital rectal exams for men over age 40 and yearly PSA blood tests for men over age 50. Notice: Information on this web site is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information on this web site for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider.