Prostate ultrasound: What you need to know about the procedure and results

A prostate ultrasound is a quick, painless test that provides detailed images of the prostate gland and surrounding tissues. This technique is essential for diagnosis and monitoring of various prostate conditions, providing reliable information without the need for surgery. It is especially useful when there are urinary symptoms, prostatic hyperplasia is suspected, or it is necessary to evaluate the presence of lesions.

During the procedure, a small transducer is placed in the rectum, allowing the prostate to be viewed in real time and biopsies to be guided if necessary. Preparation is simple and the patient can resume normal activities soon after the exam.

For those looking for accurate information about the process, this guide can help answer common questions and reduce anxiety before the appointment.

Key points

• Prostate ultrasound is a non-invasive and effective diagnostic tool.
• Evaluate the size, shape and possible changes of the prostate gland.
• The procedure is simple and requires minimal preparation.

What is a prostate ultrasound?

Prostate ultrasound is an imaging test used to visualize the prostate gland and detect possible anomalies. This technique allows the healthcare professional to obtain accurate information about the shape, size and condition of the prostate.

Definition and purpose

La prostate ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the inside of the body. A small device called a transducer is used, usually inserted into the rectum to be close to the prostate and obtain detailed images.

This test helps identify problems such as prostate enlargement, nodules, cysts, or signs of cancer. It can also be useful for conducting prostate biopsies or investigating causes of male infertility. Doctors recommend it when they exist urinary symptoms or abnormal findings on a physical exam.

Ultrasound offers advantages such as the absence of radiation and obtaining results in a few minutes. It is often combined with other tests if the results suggest the need for an additional diagnosis.

Types of prostate ultrasound

There are mainly two types of prostate ultrasound:

1. Transrectal ultrasound. This is the most common technique. The transducer is gently inserted into the rectum to locate the prostate and obtain accurate images from different angles. This modality allows us to evaluate the exact size and detect suspicious lesions that are not perceived on the physical examination.
   
   
2. Suprapubic ultrasound. Less commonly used and less accurate, it is performed by placing the transducer on the abdomen, above the pubic bone. It is usually useful when it is not possible to perform the transrectal method.

Transrectal ultrasound provides much more resolution and detail. For that reason, it is the preferred method in most medical centers for routine prostate testing.

Recommendations after the exam

After the ultrasound is performed, the patient can resume normal activities immediately, as this is a non-invasive procedure. Some patients may experience mild discomfort if the rectal transducer is used, but these go away quickly.

It is essential to follow the doctor's instructions regarding fluid intake if additional tests were performed or if samples were taken for analysis. If the exam shows any abnormalities, the urologist will indicate the next steps. Keeping a record of previous results helps monitor prostate changes over time.

If you experience fever, bleeding or prolonged pain after the procedure, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Prostate ultrasound is a key tool for evaluating the size and structure of the prostate, detecting anomalies and supporting the diagnosis of prostate diseases. It is essential to understand what the preparations are, how the procedure is performed and what is expected during the exam to ensure accurate results.

What are the necessary preparations before having a transrectal prostate ultrasound?

It is recommended to empty the intestine before the examination. The doctor may order an enema to clear the rectum, making it easier to obtain clearer images. Fasting isn't always required, but it's essential to follow the instructions provided by the health professional.

How is a prostate ultrasound performed and what is the protocol to follow?

Prostate ultrasound is usually performed with the patient lying on their side. A special probe is gently inserted into the rectum, which emits ultrasound waves to visualize the prostate in real-time images. The procedure is brief and usually takes less than 30 minutes.

What can you expect during a prostate ultrasound exam?

The patient may experience mild discomfort when inserting the tube, but pain is rare. It's common to feel pressure while the tube is in the rectum. The medical professional will guide each step and answer any questions during the process.

Is urine retention necessary before a prostate ultrasound?

Retaining urine is usually not essential for transrectal ultrasound. However, for other techniques such as suprapubic ultrasound, it is sometimes recommended to have a full bladder to improve visualization. It is important to clarify what type of ultrasound will be performed.

How is the prostate measured during an ultrasound and what is the normal range?

During the ultrasound, the dimensions of the prostate are evaluated using images generated by ultrasound. The normal size usually varies between 20 and 40 grams, although these values may change depending on age and clinical context.

What indicators are looked for in an ultrasound to diagnose prostate cancer?

The ultrasound may show hypoechoic or irregular areas that alert to the possibility of a tumor. The shape, borders and any abnormality in the texture of the prostate tissue are observed. However, to confirm a diagnosis, it is often complemented by biopsies and other tests, such as Cleveland Clinic.

Uncomplicated diagnostic clarity

Prostate ultrasound is a simple, safe and highly informative procedure that allows you to accurately assess the condition of the prostate gland. Whether as part of a routine checkup or to investigate specific symptoms, this study provides a reliable basis for making sound medical decisions.

In Precision Prostate Clinic, we employ cutting-edge technology and a patient-centered approach to ensure accurate diagnoses and warm, respectful and professional care at every stage of the process.

Your prostate health deserves expert attention from the first study. Schedule your assessment with us and get clear and reliable answers.