Definitive answers about your prostate
A transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy is the gold-standard test for evaluating the prostate when PSA results or a physical exam suggest further investigation is needed. The procedure takes just 5-7 minutes, is performed in-office under local anesthesia, and you can drive yourself home afterward.
A biopsy doesn’t mean a cancer diagnosis
If your provider has recommended a prostate biopsy, it’s natural to feel concerned. It’s important to know that a biopsy is recommended to investigate — not to confirm. Many biopsies result in normal findings.
The biopsy gives your urologist definitive tissue-level information that PSA blood tests and digital exams cannot provide on their own. Whether the result is reassuring or guides further treatment planning, having clear answers is always better than waiting in uncertainty.
See the procedure explained
An educational overview of the transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy procedure.
How the biopsy works
A small ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum to visualize the prostate. Local anesthetic is injected into the prostate to minimize discomfort. After several ultrasound images and measurements are taken, approximately 12 needle biopsies are obtained through the probe — 6 from the right side and 6 from the left side of the prostate. These tissue samples are then sent to a pathology lab for analysis.
Two prep steps are essential
These preparation steps are required to minimize infection risk and ensure a clean visualization. Both must be completed correctly — please follow them exactly as instructed.
Antibiotic course
Take the prescribed antibiotic for 5 days total. The course is critical for preventing infection after the biopsy. Do not skip doses, and complete the full course even if you feel fine.
Enema to clear rectum
An enema is required to clear the rectum for proper ultrasound visualization and to minimize infection risk. We’ll provide specific instructions on what to use and how to use it.
The essentials
5–7 minutes
Actual procedure time. Total visit is about 30 minutes.
Local anesthesia
No sedation required — anesthetic is injected directly into the prostate
In-office
No hospital visit needed — performed at our Tustin office
Drive yourself
No driver required — you can drive to and from the appointment
When prostate biopsy is recommended
A biopsy is typically recommended when other tests suggest the need for definitive tissue-level information.
Elevated or Rising PSA
PSA blood test results suggest further evaluation of the prostate is needed
Learn more →Abnormal Digital Exam
A digital rectal exam (DRE) found areas that need closer examination
Prior Abnormal Imaging
MRI or other imaging studies showed suspicious areas requiring tissue confirmation
Active Surveillance
Monitoring a previously identified concern over time with repeat biopsies as needed
Family History
Strong family history may warrant biopsy at a lower PSA threshold
Definitive Diagnosis
Tissue analysis is the only way to definitively confirm or rule out prostate cancer
Learn more →What happens during the procedure
From arrival to going home — here’s what your appointment will look like.
Arrive prepared
Antibiotics started day prior, enema completed that morning.
Ultrasound probe
A small probe is gently inserted to visualize the prostate.
Local anesthetic
Anesthetic is injected into the prostate to minimize discomfort.
12 core samples
Tissue samples taken through the probe — 6 from each side.
Go home
After brief observation, you can drive yourself home.
Normal aftereffects & warning signs
Some bleeding is expected and normal for a period of time after the biopsy. Knowing what’s normal versus what warrants a call helps you respond appropriately.
What’s normal
When to reach out
A follow-up visit to discuss results
Tissue samples are sent to a pathology lab for analysis. Once results are back, you’ll have a dedicated follow-up appointment with your urologist to review the findings and discuss next steps. Whether the result is reassuring or guides treatment planning, you’ll get clear answers and a thoughtful conversation about what they mean for you.
Schedule your biopsy.
If your provider has recommended a prostate biopsy, schedule with our urology team. We’ll walk you through every step, ensure proper preparation, and provide compassionate care throughout — from the day before through your results conversation.