Prostate Biopsy

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

• Infection. This is more common in men who have undiagnosed Reference prostatitis Opens New Window. Usually, taking antibiotic medicine before the biopsy prevents an infection from developing.
• Bleeding into the urethra or Reference bladder Opens New Window. 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 Reference allergic reaction Opens New Window to the anesthetic medicines 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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