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Risks
By Mayo Clinic staffCommon risks associated with a prostate biopsy include:
- Infection. The most common risk associated with a prostate biopsy is infection. Rarely, men who have a prostate biopsy develop an infection of the urinary tract or prostate that requires treatment with antibiotics.
- Bleeding at the biopsy site. Bleeding is common after a prostate biopsy. Don't start taking any blood-thinning medications after your biopsy until your doctor says it's OK.
- Blood in your semen. It's common to notice red or rust coloring in your semen after a prostate biopsy. This indicates blood, and it's not a cause for concern. Blood in your semen may persist for four to six weeks after the biopsy.
- Difficulty urinating. In some men prostate biopsy can cause difficulty passing urine after the procedure. Rarely, a temporary urinary catheter must be inserted.
References
- How is prostate cancer diagnosed? American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/ProstateCancer/DetailedGuide/prostate-cancer-diagnosis. Accessed Aug. 13, 2010.
- Ramey JR, et al. Ultrasonography and biopsy of the prostate. In: Wein AJ, et al. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/202281144-2/0/1445/0.html. Accessed Aug. 13, 2010.
- Causes, natural history & diagnosis of prostate cancer. UrologyHealth.org. http://www.urologyhealth.org/adult/index.cfm?cat=04&topic=39. Accessed Aug. 13, 2010.
- How to read your pathology report. MyBiopsy.org. http://www.cap.org/apps/docs/reference/myBiopsy/pathology_report.html. Accessed Aug. 13, 2010.
- Castle EP (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Phoenix/Scottsdale, Ariz. Aug. 23, 2010.
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