Prostate Biopsy

Biospy, Prostate

Risks

A prostate biopsy has a slight risk of causing problems such as:

• Infection. This is more common in men who have undiagnosed prostatitis. Usually, taking antibiotic medication before the biopsy prevents an infection from developing.
• Bleeding into the urethra or bladder. This can cause a blood blister (hematoma), an inability to urinate, or a need to urinate often.
• Bleeding from the rectum. If you have a transrectal biopsy, you may experience a small amount of bleeding from your rectum for 2 to 3 days after the biopsy.
• An allergic reaction to the anesthetic medications used during the biopsy.

After the biopsy

Call your doctor immediately if you:

• Have heavy bleeding or bleeding continues longer than 2 to 3 days.
• Have increased pain.
• Have a fever.
• Are unable to urinate within 8 hours or have blood in the urine for longer than 2 to 3 days.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: May 8, 2007
Medical Review:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
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