Overview
During a transrectal ultrasound an ultrasound probe is inserted into your rectum to measure and evaluate your prostate. This test is performed to measure the size of the prostate for men who are considering surgery on the prostate to help with urinary symptoms, as well as men with low sperm counts who may have a blockage near the area of the prostate. Your doctor might also use transrectal ultrasound to guide needles used to take tissue samples (biopsies) of the prostate. Examining the tissue can help your doctor diagnose or rule out prostate cancer.
During the procedure
This test creates images of the prostate by placing a special transducer into the rectum.
Ultrasound is usually painless. However, you may experience mild discomfort as the sonographer guides the transducer over your body, especially if you're required to have a full bladder, or inserts it into your body.
How to prepare
Most ultrasound exams require no preparation. However, you may be required to perform an enema prior to your prostate ultrasound.