After the biopsy you will be able to drive home. Increase your fluid intake for the next 1-2 days to decrease formation of blood clots. If your urine is completely clear for the first few urinations, you will probably not have to worry about this.
Another important factor is whether there are cancer cells at the margins, or edges, of the biopsy sample. A “positive” or “involved” margin means there are cancer cells in the margin. This means that it is likely that cancerous cells are still in the body.
Even without any prostate problems, your PSA level can go up gradually as you age. "At age 40, a PSA of 2.5 is the normal limit," says John Milner, MD, a urologist in the Chicago area. "By age 60, the limit is up to 4.5; by age 70, a PSA of 6.5 could be considered normal."
The main tests for screening are the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test and the digital rectal examination (DRE). If results from these tests suggest that cancer is present, a doctor may recommend a biopsy. A prostate biopsy is the only effective way to diagnose prostate cancer.
Your doctor will likely recommend that you do only light activities for 24 to 48 hours after your prostate biopsy. Your doctor might recommend taking an antibiotic for a few days. You might also: Feel slight soreness and have some light bleeding from your rectum.
Inaccurate or incomplete results: Prostate biopsies miss about 20% of cancers. They can also produce false-positive results. This means some people may need to have multiple biopsies. Risk of hospitalization: This might occur due to infection and other prostate issues.
You might see blood in your urine for 7 to 14 days after your procedure. This bleeding might come and go. Your semen might look rust-colored for up to 12 weeks after the biopsy.
Ultrasound exams in which the transducer is inserted into an opening of the body may produce minimal discomfort. If no biopsy is required, transrectal ultrasound of the prostate is similar to or may have less discomfort than a rectal exam performed by your doctor.
A lower percent-free PSA means that your chance of having prostate cancer is higher and you should probably have a biopsy. Many doctors recommend a prostate biopsy for men whose percent-free PSA is 10% or less, and advise that men consider a biopsy if it is between 10% and 25%.
The higher your PSA levels are, the more likely it is that you have active prostate cancer. Some scientific research has found that it's possible to lower your PSA numbers and reduce risk of developing or returning cancer by making lifestyle changes, like eating certain foods and being more physically active.
However, it is a painful procedure since multiple punctures are made with thick (16-18 gauge) biopsy needles to obtain adequate samples of the prostate. The pain associated with the procedure remains largely ignored in clinical practice.
Take your antibiotics as directed and complete the full dose given. Do not drink alcoholic beverages until after completing your antibiotics. Do not take aspirin and anti-inflammatory products such as Celebrex® for 1 (one) week following prostate biopsy. Avoid sexual activity for 7 days.
