Prostate biopsy procedure explained by urologist 

I had a prostate biopsy in my doctors office in the mid eighties. I had no numbing as you state. It was the most painful experience I have ever endured. I pissed out blood and ejaculated blood for almost a month. I came down with a urinary infection and was given an antibiotic. After all that the test came back normal. I see now its much less barbaric than when i had mine.

Hi Dr Eric, I’ve watched a number of your videos and think you’re an excellent teacher. Your explanations are calmly put across in good and easy to understand detail.

Thank you Doctor! This put my mind at ease about what my husband went through today! I appreciate it very much!

I am so glad you guys have the appropriate care around this procedure. You deserve this amount of pain reduction and I wish anyone going through this a very speedy recovery. I went for a biopsy procedure for uterine cancer last year. I was given no numbing agent, gas or injection. I had a large speculum inserted into my vagina and opened several inches wide. The doctor then proceeded to push through a cylindrical blade (roughly 3/4 of an inch long) through my cervix into my uterus. He then gave me permission to swear and told me this would hurt. Using that cylinder he removed that tissue from inside of me by dragging it blade first, taking parts of my cervix with it because how else would you be able to remove it. I was then handed a pad and told to drive myself home. I bled heavily for over a week. I’m so upset we don’t get the same care with our procedure. It was barbaric.

Thank you for answering so many of my questions without me asking them. I feel better now.

Great video I wasn't sure what to expect. I've been through alot of pain and surgery s. The doctor tells you and explains it just the way you described it. Thank you

Excellent. Very nice presentation. Certainly helped me relax a little ahead of my procedure, particularly the part around hearing from an expert how a biopsy does not cause cancer (I'd read something somewhere about how pulling samples from the prostate could 'release' cancerous cells into the body)... Thank you!

I appreciate your sincere awareness. It is very helpful since I'll be having this procedure next week.

Very well explained, thank you Doctor Eric. My biopsy is in a few days, hoping for the best.

Thanks for the Info. Very enlightening. I’d replay it several times .

I wish you were practicing on the east coast! I'd call immediately for an appointment if you were. Thanks for this very informative and reassuring video; your patience are blessed to have you!

Thank you for the video. Need to have the procedure following mri scan. Your detailed explanation has been very reassuring.

Having the procedure this week and found this clarifying and reassuring. I wish all urologists would recommend this to their patients. Thank you.

Now that I've watched this video I'm dreading this procedure next week even more.... All the same, it's an informative video.

Very well explained, I'm having mine done this week, after watching this I'm not worried anymore and is more relaxed. Thanks Doc.

A crystal clear explanation, staying focused on the procedure used for obtaining material for confirming or ruling out PCa. Apparently the biopsy precedes MRI, useful for comprehensive focusing of radiation treatment when indicated, rather than trying to use MRI for early detection. Glad to have medical team involvement instead of only one or two physicians.

Very well spoken and direct thank you very much I appreciate the information. I will be going to the VA and a lot calmer.

Very calming during an over anxious time. Thank you

Thanks Dr Eric, You explained it well and put me a little more at ease for my upcoming appt

Thank you for your informative video, it has eased my anxiety for this procedure which I’ll undergo next week. 👍🏽

Excellent overview of the procedure. Thanks for sharing.

Excellent explanation and easy to follow. Thanks so much!

Very calming, thank you for such a great presentation.

Great video to help calm and understand some of what will take place...thank you!!!

Excellent explanation. Thanks, Doctor!

My doc seems to believe the standard action with an elevated PSA is now an MRI and then a fusion biopsy (basically aiming some of the needles at any suspicious areas identified by MRI). In my doc’s estimation, the MRI does not preclude the biopsy but might help guide it (if anything suspicious is noted). Since an MRI does precisely measure the prostate (useful in PSA density calculations) and pretty good at spotting suspicious areas the hope is it’ll replace certain biopsies on certain occasions.

My first urologist performed two biopsies taking 12 core samples on the first and 16 core samples on the second biopsy both were done without benefit of nitrous oxide or numbing. After the second biopsy, I developed an infection and went septic spent over a week in the hospital. Needless to say I found a new urologist.

This information was very useful as I prepare for the procedure.

Just had one yesterday after trying to avoid it for a year or so. Was nervous in anticipation but charged ahead like a trooper. It’s really not that bad at all. Don’t avoid it. You’ll be fine.

I had this procedure done on Friday, December 17th, 2021. I was the first procedure of that day. Arrived @ hospital Same Day Surgery at 6:30am and was released at 10am. I was terrified but it went well with almost no pain. I was twilight sedated. The only after surgery issues were blood in my urine and my sperm for about 3 weeks. There was no pain.

Good video Doc. Thanks. Age here 68, I have a biopsy this week. A bit nervous. Never really had anything medical to undergo.

Thanks Doc., you just described my upcoming Monday morning 😀

Very informative and not so stressed out any more. Thank you...

Very helpful. Clear, concise and reassuring.

I am going to do the biopsy next week, and this video helped me a lot. Thank you

Age 55 with a 3.97 PSA which is up about 1.5 from three years ago and just got my 3T MP MRI results today. The report shows enlargement which was felt on the DRE and "1. no lesion of at least mild suspicion" but the Doc still wants to do a biopsy which is a bit perplexing. After doing some further research, it seems even radiologist are split on the need for follow up biopsy due to the small percentage that may be missed by the reading doctor. I looked up who did mine and he is 8 years out of med school. This is all a bit disappointing as I payed for the MRI to be done first in hopes that if negative findings were produced, it would avoid the 12 point ultrasound guided biopsy but I now get why a biopsy should still be performed.

Thank you for the information, it was very helpful.

Thank you, Dr. Eric!

Thank you for the information. Very helpful!!

Thank you. I thought it was supposed to be relatively painless, but I just lived through a nightmare and I knew the doctor had screwed up. I had a biopsy done, and it was the worst pain I’ve ever felt. I told the doctor that he had done something wrong, and he argued with me and tried to convince me that it was supposed to be painful. I couldn’t bring myself to look at him or to speak to him.

This doctor explains EXACTLY how my biopsy went. I had this procedure done yesterday at the VA Loma Linda. I was very nervous about it to say the least - causing high anxiety. I was so nervous (afraid), I took an unauthorized Xanax one hour before just to keep my blood pressure from going too high. The doctor was very good and explained every step as she was doing it. My conclusions: Not nearly as bad as I imagined. Uncomfortable? Yes. Painful? No. The whole procedure took less than 10 minutes. She took 16 very targeted samples from my prostate. Lab results are pending.

Thank you!!! I go in for my procedure in a week. 😬

Thank you for posting this video

Great video to ease my anxiety of the procedure.

Thank you this was very helpful.

I done it yesterday 16/01/24 it takes me about 25 minutes thanks Dr

Doctor, your explanation was excellently done and was well received with clarity. I need further clarifications if you could help me. I had my prostate biopsy done about 8 months ago. I had blood in my urine, stools and semen just like you have explained very clearly. Blood in my stool stopped within few days and blood in my urine lasted more than 10 days and stopped. However, blood in my semen lasted more than 6 months and finally stopped and being advised in one of your group chats. That's all done and forgotten. My other problem started as quite unnoticeable but has now become unbearable. It's pains and itchiness at my anis and its surrounding area. After my biopsy where it was done under "local" that almost took my life, I had pains at my anus and thought it would go away in a few days. The pains and itchiness became more intense over time and now after 8 months and after seeing few doctors and taking various medications and applying more than 7 different type of creams my anus hurts more and the itchiness continues. The pains are sharp and painful. I would be grateful if doctor could advise me what to do or which specialist that I should consult? thank you

Just had this done today. You have explained it excellently. I am experiencing a lot of pain still and hope it passes by tomorrow as it’s not bearable without Tylenol and even then can still feel it.

Very good video! Very helpful!!

Thank you for this information!

Thank you, well described

Thank you for this!

Very well explained, Doc. I had this procedure done the exact same way you described around 8 years ago. Thank you.

Very informative. Thank you 🙌🏽

Excellent... thank you.... oi get mine in a couple of days

I'm having my third biopsy this week, it will be a fusion prostate due to lesion found with mri, my question is: I don't remember if on previous biopsies if any sedation was given, is it mandatory to use lidocaine for every biopsy?

Thanks Doc for enlightening us, to be biopsied. Love and kisses from the Philippines ❤️🇵🇭.

My biopsy was also done transrectal. The nurse did all the prep, along with giving the numbing agent. The first thing that told me the biopsy was in progress, was the sound of the gun. 12 samples taken with zero pain. Unfortunately, the biopsy came back positive, Gleason score of seven, and I had my prostrate removed. Like most procedures, the person who does the numbing injection, makes all the difference

Verry informative.thanks

I had mri which showed an area of concern and they want to do a biopsy sched in 2 weeks. I asked how many cores they said 14 and I asked well will they focus on the suspicious area and was told only 1 core will be taken in the suspicious area does that sound right. I had this done 12 years ago without mri and was told back then there was nothing found

Very good information video, is prostate biopsy always done from the back? or can be done from the urethra as well ?

Very good information.

I had one 11 years ago. No enema, no antibiotics, no local anesthesia, no instructions to stop taking my blood thinners. Yeast there was some pain each time there was a snip, but it wasn’t all that severe. No regrets

Thanks you I have been praying a about take one

Hello dr eric just a quick question can you still do a biopsy with a catheta fitted kind regards.

Can a scortum ultrasound also detect the perinial area??? Please reply me

I'm not worried about the procedure, but I do have concern about self-administering the enema. Doing that myself, how will I know if I did it completely and properly?

Hi doctor. Do I have to use an enema before the biopsy? Is it required? Can the biopsy be done if it don't take an enema?

Thank you, I feel better now. I've got to have one this coming Friday. My prostate is enlarged, my sex drive is down. I can't get an erection. I don't know what it could be. I hope it's not cancer. Thank You for the video

I have a prostate biopsy coming up I’ve been once but I had ashprine the night before so he re scadulle it but you said we can take it so who’s right please let me know

Had mine done. No big deal. Did have some swelling of prostate for two weeks. No pain. What is your opinion about a Transperinral biopsy vrs trans rectal.

Best info on RU-vid

Can the patient demand general anesthesia for the biopsy procedure?

Hello Dr Eric as you explained the Prostate Biopsy procedure it was very similar to my biopsy I had two days ago 5/25/22 however I was on my back with my legs spread apart and my feet resting on stirrups. Still seeing blood in my urine and I’m taking an antibiotic.Feel tired and the doctor said no exercise for three days.Also this targeted prostate biopsy is 35% accurate. I’m assuming We will continue to check my PSA which has moved from 4-7. My big question is what is the best drug that will allow me to pee better.I was getting up 4-6 times a night.Had tried Flowmax and I did like the side affects I was tired and my head was not all there as if in a daze. Thank You Ralph Demasi

Dr.eric very good video

Very informative and thank you for easing my concerns toward blood in urine and the anus area. Two questions, is it normal have the urge to urinate almost immediately after urinating? is it normal to feel like passing motion all the time in the first 24 hours after the biopsy precedure?

Hi Dr Eric, I am a retired family doctor from UK. I found your video very informative and helpful. I had ultrasound guided trans perineal under local anaesthetic at our local hospital. I have a question, while taking biopsies, it made a clicking noise. Do they cauterise the area through the biopsy needle. The sound was very similar to cauterisation of bleeders during surgery which I attended during our training days. Thanks for the good work. Best wishes. Dr Mishra.

All doctors should have this procedure done on themselves first before telling how 'easy' it is.

My PSA is 1.32. Was 1.20 in mid 2020. Doctor found "lump" on prostate..how likely is a cancer diagnosis?

I had a prostate biopsy a couple of years ago. The doctor gave me a couple of shots to numb the area and there was no pain. Don’t stress out about this. It’s not that big a deal.

Thank You for info

Firstly thank you for the information My dad is 79 yr old having PSA 17 toady I have admitted him to get it done TURS biopsy PsA if it increses more than 5 is it will be malignancy???

Had a 14 core stab. No real pain. The doctor said I had a very large prostate. Bleeding was nearly nonexistent. For a week i did have an infection odor in the perine area. Suspect a minor infection. All cores were nothing but benign tissue. Will follow up annually with test. Do not pass up this procedure ...... it's the best first step in isolating a problem and is not painful.

Does your procedure involve going thru rectal wall? My last bio used this method and it almost killed me. I was in the hospital for 3 weeks. Thanks for your info.

Thank You!

Very informative

I had my boispy and I experienced blood from my nub what should I do please

At a certain age if there is any sign of cancer. Wouldn't be easier just to remove the prostate, instead of going through this ?

I've just been booked for a prostate biospy and although I know the proceedure will be fine this video has put my mind more at ease. Thank you.

Thank you.

and what is the Symptoms of prostate? pls

In Costa Rica the procedure was made without inyectin local anesthesia is painfull

I am a family physician and I cannot see why anesthesia is not administered routinely during prostate biopsy. It is one of the most painful and invasive procedures ever devised by doctors. Colonoscopies are almost always under anesthesia, why not prostate biopsy?

Curious as to why the Docs don't use Propofol as they do during a colonoscopy???

THANKS

Very informative thanks. Is there any risk or evidence of seeding of cancer tissue happening during the biopsy procedure - that is, some of the cancer cells being deposited on the surrounding tissue outside of the of the prostate by the needle ?

Thank you Dr. Eric! One question, if I have trouble urinating at night, will this procedure make the prostate swell and make it harder to urinate afterwards? Thanks!

I do not understand the biopsy 'mechanics'. The prostate surrounds the ureter but you are working within the intestine/bowel. Does this actually penetrate the bowel wall?? Or are you within the ureter. Same concept, do you have to penetrate the urinary canal? Gerry

I wish my urologist had offered me nitrous oxide. I clearly remember the surprising and sudden internal injection of local anesthetic. Then, no more pain. What surprised me was when the nurse handed me a bag of menstrual pads which I did indeed need to use for a few days. The first few red, bloody ejaculations are really something to mentally prepare for too!

I had a prostate biopsy. The urologist did 2 injections of anesthetic, one on each one side of my prostate, he said, but in my case it did not feel at all similar to the injections that I get when a dentist needs to do a painful procedure. It hurt much much more. Cutting deep into a tooth to cut out a large and deep carious lesion, which involves is cutting close to the tooth's pulp, or is doing endodontia, root canal treatment, both would be very painful without a local anesthetic. Worse than the worst toothache. But I've never had severe pain from a dentist's injection of anesthetic. Some particularly skillful dentists manage to get that needle in without causing any pain at all. However I can't say the same thing for the urologist who did my biopsy. Those 2 injection were each very very painful. Fortunately the pain lasted for only a few seconds. Maybe about 10 seconds. However the 12 biopsy cores that he took were absolutely painless. I felt them, and heard a loud noise from tool that shoved the needle into my prostate. but there was no pain. I've had hernia surgery with just a local anesthetic. Only mild pain from the needles. Just a slight sting from about 6 needles. I don't know why the pain from being anesthesised for a prostate biopsy much worse, but it was. It was on a whole other level. Also, I quit taking aspirin more than a week before the procedure, but I lost a lot of blood. There was blood all over the table, and the pad under me was not sufficient to absorb it all. It was dripping onto the floor. The gave me pull-on adult diapers to absorb the blood. One diaper did not hold all the blood. I had to change it after about 1.5 hours, and then change the second diaper too. They said the blood loss was not enough to require a transfusion. But I had to sign an agreement before the procedure, saying I agreed to a transfusion should it become necessary so that gave me the idea that sometimes the blood loss is more than what I had, and requires a transfusion.