What is Transrectal Ultrasound

Transrectal ultrasound is a procedure that uses sound waves to create images of your prostate gland and nearby tissues. The sound waves are sent through the wall of your rectum into your prostate gland, which is located in front of your rectum.

The images show the size and shape of your prostate gland and nearby structures. You may have this test if you have:

• Trouble urinating.
• Infertility.
• An abnormal prostate screening exam.

Tell a health care provider about:

• Any allergies you have.
• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
• Any blood disorders you have.
• Any medical conditions you have.
• Any surgeries you have had.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:

• Discomfort during the procedure. This is rare.
• Blood in your urine or sperm after the procedure. This is rare.

What happens before the procedure?

• Your health care provider may instruct you to use an enema 1–4 hours before the procedure. Follow instructions from your health care provider about how to do the enema.
• Ask your health care provider about changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.

What happens during the procedure?

• You will be asked to lie down on your left side on an examination table.
• You will bend your knees toward your chest.
• A lubricated probe will be gently inserted into your rectum. This may cause a feeling of fullness.
• The probe will send signals to a computer that will create images.
• The technician will slightly rotate the probe throughout the procedure. While rotating the probe, he or she will view and capture images of the prostate gland and the surrounding structures from different angles.
• The probe will be removed.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

• It is up to you to get the results of your procedure. Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the procedure, when your results will be ready.

Summary

• Transrectal ultrasound is a procedure that uses sound waves to create images of your prostate gland and nearby tissues.
• The images show the size and shape of your prostate gland and nearby structures.
• Before the procedure, ask your health care provider about changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.