Prostate Biopsy Side Effects and Warnings

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a prostate biopsy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Infection
• Bruising or prolonged bleeding from the rectum or in urine or semen
• Difficulty urinating

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• History of bleeding disorders or easy bruising
• Use of any prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, or herbal supplements
• Sensitivity or allergy to latex, medicines, or anesthesia

Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure.

Call Your Doctor

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Inability to urinate
• Blood in the urine more than 2-3 days post-biopsy
• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Pain that you cannot control with the medicines you have been given
• Pain, burning, urgency, or frequency of urination
• Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
• Persistent rectal bleeding or scant rectal bleeding that lasts more than 2-3 days after the biopsy

In case of an emergency, CALL 911.