The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland that produces semen, the fluid responsible for nourishing and transporting sperm, according to the MayoClinic.com. During a prostate biopsy, urologist or a doctor that specializes in male reproductive organs takes a thin needle and extracts tissue samples from the prostate gland so that it can be tested for the cell abnormalities normally associated with prostate cancer. While complications are rare, it is important to know the risks associated with any procedure.
Infection
The most common complication associated with a prostate biopsy is infection, according to the MayoClinic.com. Men who have a prostate biopsy may develop an infection of the urinary tract or prostate when bacteria that usually lies dormant on top of the skin enters the body through the biopsy site and spreads to various parts of the body. CIGNA Healthcare states that infection is common in men who have undiagnosed prostatitis, a painful prostate condition that causes pain in the groin, burning sensation during urination, excessive urination at night, prostate pain or discomfort during ejaculation. Symptoms of infection include fever, painful urination and discharge from the penis. Treatment usually consists of antibiotics.
Bleeding
Light bleeding following a prostate biopsy is normal. Approximately 50 percent of men who have a prostate biopsy report blood in their semen following the procedure, according to the MayoClinic.com. Most men experience soreness, light bleeding from the rectal area, blood in the urine and stools and a slight pink tinge to the seminal fluid following the biopsy. This type of light bleeding is normal and may continue for four to six weeks after the biopsy, according to the MayoClinic.com. If the bleeding worsens and is accompanied by severe pain and inflammation, it may indicate bleeding around the biopsy site or an infection. Bleeding usually eventually stops on its own, but bleeding that worsens may require medical assistance to stop the bleeding.
Urinary Retention
Some men have a hard time urinating after a prostate biopsy. During the biopsy, general anesthesia is administered to block the sensation of pain, while fluids are given to compensate for any blood loss. The combination of excess fluid and anesthesia can result in a full bladder with numbness or impaired nerve function, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Common symptoms associated with urinary retention are slow urinary flow, painful urination, pain or pressure in the penis or abdomen, inability to completely empty the bladder, problems having or maintaining an erection and pink or red colored urine, according to the website Drugs.com. Treatment usually consists of a temporary urinary catheter inserted through the urethra so that urine can be drained from the bladder and excreted from the body.
