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The Dreaded biopsy

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User
Posted 09 Sep 2025 at 21:27
Hi,

I'm 55 now. (I shared some background in a previous post here: https://community.prostatecanceruk.org/posts/t31611-Worried-again--watery-and-less-semen--and-high-psa )

By the way, the watery semen issue has resolved, and the volume has increased as well.

It seems I’m finally heading for a biopsy in two weeks. A PSA of 6.15 triggered an mpMRI, which came back PIRADS 4. Four months later, my PSA had risen to 6.81, and at that point, the biopsy was scheduled.

The procedure is set to take place about 1,500 km from home. I've been told it will be a transperineal biopsy under local anesthesia, and I’m a bit concerned. I'm planning to travel there the day before and fly back the day after. However, I’ve read conflicting advice regarding post-biopsy care. I also know someone who developed a serious infection, and I’m not sure if flying (two flights, with an 8-hour layover) the day after is a good idea.

Does it hurt much?

Did you follow any specific precautions afterwards — resting, avoiding physical activity, etc.?

Were you prescribed antibiotics? I had a positive semen culture some years ago, so I’m particularly concerned about the risk of infection.

Thanks a lot in advance for any advice or shared experiences.

User
Posted 09 Sep 2025 at 22:34

Hi Chema.

I had a trans rectal biopsy and before the procedure they gave me a dose of antibiotics to help fight any possible infection.  Obviously they are puncturing your prostate capsule so there is always going to be a possibility of infection arising. 

Im not sure but I think TP biopsy might leave you with a bit of discomfort when sitting so a flight so soon after might need a bit of pain relief. 

I can't say if it will be more painful than my TR biopsy but with a local you shouldn't feel much anyway. Just relax and let them do their job. The only thing I felt was each time they collected a sample but really it was nothing. 

Good luck with it and just rest up if things are a bit sore. 

Also be ready for blood in your urine and semen. It looks quite scary but it's just a part of it. The urine clears up pretty quick but the semen can take some time.

 

 

User
Posted 10 Sep 2025 at 16:27

After my TP biopsy, it was a little uncomfortable for a few days. I was out with friends the following night for a curry and wasn’t too bothered by it. On a flight you might want to get up and move around a little, as sitting for hours on your backside without moving might get uncomfortable.

Did the TP biopsy hurt? I found it a fairly unpleasant experience especially the ultrasound probe inserted in my rectum. The needle collecting the biopsy samples, not too bad as the local anaesthetic did its job. It’s not something I’d want to do too often 🥵.

The hospital gave me antibiotics after the procedure.

 

Edited by member 10 Sep 2025 at 16:29  | Reason: Added text

User
Posted 10 Sep 2025 at 21:37

I still can't understand why anyone would want to undergo this barbaric procedure under a local!  I definitely didn't want to be there during the procedure and had a general anaesthetic.

User
Posted 11 Sep 2025 at 08:50

Hi Chema

You may find this post on flying after a biopsy helpful - https://community.prostatecanceruk.org/posts/t28324-Flying-after-a-transperineal-biopsy

Wishing you the best

User
Posted 11 Sep 2025 at 17:41

Honestly, I dont understand how anyone would want a general for a simple procedure like this. 

The anaesthetic risk is just as much as if you were having heart surgery for something akin to having a tattoo. I watched a nurse sew my finger tip back on under a local a few weeks ago, and that was worse than the biopsy process.

But we are all different with different pain thresholds and dignity levels. The men who were there on my biopsy were more worried about something being pushed up their bottom than the actual biopsy being taken. Good old British sexual prudishness in action lol.

The biopsy has to be done, prepare yourself as best you can (I did breathing exercises and found them useful) and then let the doctor do their job. 

 

User
Posted 11 Sep 2025 at 21:25
I consider myself to have a normal pain threshold and found the biopsy under a local anaesthetic quite OK,we are all different but for most people a local anaesthetic would be sufficient. I joked to the Dr when I was put in the stirrups that the last time I saw these was when my 10lb 10oz daughter was born, he laughed and promised me that this procedure would be far less painful than my wife had endured,I am sure he was right .I had the previous type of biopsy 10 years ago and that was worse,although again no major issue .
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User
Posted 09 Sep 2025 at 22:34

Hi Chema.

I had a trans rectal biopsy and before the procedure they gave me a dose of antibiotics to help fight any possible infection.  Obviously they are puncturing your prostate capsule so there is always going to be a possibility of infection arising. 

Im not sure but I think TP biopsy might leave you with a bit of discomfort when sitting so a flight so soon after might need a bit of pain relief. 

I can't say if it will be more painful than my TR biopsy but with a local you shouldn't feel much anyway. Just relax and let them do their job. The only thing I felt was each time they collected a sample but really it was nothing. 

Good luck with it and just rest up if things are a bit sore. 

Also be ready for blood in your urine and semen. It looks quite scary but it's just a part of it. The urine clears up pretty quick but the semen can take some time.

 

 

User
Posted 10 Sep 2025 at 16:27

After my TP biopsy, it was a little uncomfortable for a few days. I was out with friends the following night for a curry and wasn’t too bothered by it. On a flight you might want to get up and move around a little, as sitting for hours on your backside without moving might get uncomfortable.

Did the TP biopsy hurt? I found it a fairly unpleasant experience especially the ultrasound probe inserted in my rectum. The needle collecting the biopsy samples, not too bad as the local anaesthetic did its job. It’s not something I’d want to do too often 🥵.

The hospital gave me antibiotics after the procedure.

 

Edited by member 10 Sep 2025 at 16:29  | Reason: Added text

User
Posted 10 Sep 2025 at 21:37

I still can't understand why anyone would want to undergo this barbaric procedure under a local!  I definitely didn't want to be there during the procedure and had a general anaesthetic.

User
Posted 11 Sep 2025 at 08:50

Hi Chema

You may find this post on flying after a biopsy helpful - https://community.prostatecanceruk.org/posts/t28324-Flying-after-a-transperineal-biopsy

Wishing you the best

User
Posted 11 Sep 2025 at 15:11

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

I still can't understand why anyone would want to undergo this barbaric procedure under a local!  I definitely didn't want to be there during the procedure and had a general anaesthetic.

It’s a matter of time, because I have work commitments that don’t allow me to wait. The procedures with sedation are not performed often in this hospital, and I would have to wait more than another month, which I don’t want.

User
Posted 11 Sep 2025 at 17:41

Honestly, I dont understand how anyone would want a general for a simple procedure like this. 

The anaesthetic risk is just as much as if you were having heart surgery for something akin to having a tattoo. I watched a nurse sew my finger tip back on under a local a few weeks ago, and that was worse than the biopsy process.

But we are all different with different pain thresholds and dignity levels. The men who were there on my biopsy were more worried about something being pushed up their bottom than the actual biopsy being taken. Good old British sexual prudishness in action lol.

The biopsy has to be done, prepare yourself as best you can (I did breathing exercises and found them useful) and then let the doctor do their job. 

 

User
Posted 11 Sep 2025 at 21:25
I consider myself to have a normal pain threshold and found the biopsy under a local anaesthetic quite OK,we are all different but for most people a local anaesthetic would be sufficient. I joked to the Dr when I was put in the stirrups that the last time I saw these was when my 10lb 10oz daughter was born, he laughed and promised me that this procedure would be far less painful than my wife had endured,I am sure he was right .I had the previous type of biopsy 10 years ago and that was worse,although again no major issue .
 
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