If you have an elevated level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood, or if a rectal examination suggests prostate abnormalities, your doctor may order a prostate biopsy to check for cancer. There are three common procedures for prostate biopsy: the transrectal approach that allows the doctor to take a tissue sample through the rectal wall with a rectal probe, the transurethral approach that involves inserting a lighted scope up your urethra so the doctor can see the prostate and take samples, and a transperineal procedure in which the doctor makes a small incision in the skin between your scrotum and anus (see Reference 1).
Instructions
1. Ask your doctor which procedure he will be doing. If he's using a transrectal approach, you will know that insertion of the rectal probe will typically be more painful than the injection of lidocaine for local anesthesia. Reduce your anxiety by educating yourself about what to expect (see Reference 2).
2. Find out exactly which part of your prostate will be biopsied. According to the Mayo Clinic, the location of the biopsy determines how much pain you will experience. Biopsies that involve the portion of the gland closest to your urethra are the most painful (see Reference 2).
3. Ask for anesthesia. According to the Mayo Clinic, 16 percent of men describe their procedural pain as moderate or higher without anesthesia. The most effective form of anesthesia is a lidocaine injection around the part of the prostate gland closest to the urethra as well as into the rectal wall (see Reference 2).
4. Advocate for a dignified setting for your biopsy. According to Emedicine, expect health care providers to respect your privacy by positioning you appropriately, providing a leg drape, and using curtains (see Reference 3). If you're uncomfortable about the setting, this anxiety may make your pain worse. You have the right to ask for reasonable accommodations for your procedure.
5. Ask your doctor or nurse to talk you through the procedure. It should take about 15 minutes. If you know what's happening at each step, and can anticipate what's next, you'll be less anxious.
6. Try alternative pain relief strategies. Relaxation, imagery, and distraction can make you more comfortable during the procedure (see Reference 4).
7. Be realistic in your expectations. While anesthesia can help reduce pain, some areas of the prostate are very sensitive to pain. In those cases, anesthesia won't provide complete pain relief. If this is the case, your doctor should let you know before the procedure (see Reference 2).
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