A prostate needle biopsy is performed to detect cancer. Suspicious rectal exams or irregular blood tests often are followed by a needle biopsy. Before undergoing the test, talk to your doctor about your levels of activity and the risks associated with the tests. While the biopsy can lead to life-saving cancer treatment when warranted, the test alone may affect your activity levels for a period of time.
Avoidance
After a needle biopsy, you need to get a ride home because you will be under the influence of the anesthesia for a few hours. Doctors at the Prostate Cancer Institute advise avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activity for at least four hours, preferably 24. Follow your doctor’s orders as to when you can resume normal activities. Most men can participate in light to moderate exercises for the first three to four days after the test. You’ll want to protect your pelvis area from trauma for about a week and should avoid horseback riding, cycling, martial arts and riding a motorcycle. You also should avoid sex for a couple days following the procedure.
Side-effects
Needle biopsies often miss cancer while leaving you with a high risk of developing side-effects after the procedure. According to the University of California, only about 10 percent to 38 percent of prostate cancer is detected with repeated needle biopsies. Blood in your urine is one of the most common side-effects and can affect the level of intensity you’re able to perform while exercising until the bleeding stops. When bleeding occurs after a needle biopsy, you should rest and avoid any exercise for 24 hours, according to Prostate Cancer International. Contact your doctor if bleeding persists after one day.
Pain Management
Prior to undergoing a needle biopsy, you’ll most likely be administered a local anesthetic or a twilight sedative to relax you and alleviate pain during the procedure. A biopsy usually is performed on an outpatient basis in your doctor’s office. Following the procedure after the anesthesia wears off, you may or may not feel any pain that could curb your exercise options. You may be plagued with pain that could occur if the needle severed a nerve in the tissue, though this is uncommon. You also may experience cramping after the biopsy. The pain is manageable with medication, during which time you should limit your exercise routine to safe activities such as walking with a partner. Pain usually subsides within four days, after which time you can resume your normal exercise regimen.
Prevention
Straining your groin area by lifting weights or applying pressure when you use the bathroom can cause bleeding in the area where the needle was inserted. Eat a high-fiber diet to avoid constipation and the need to strain. Drink green tea and pure water to promote healing. You can increase the odds that you won’t need to undergo a prostate biopsy if you exercise most days of the week, according to the Mayo Clinic. Studies show that men who maintain a healthy weight and exercise for at least 30 minutes per day reduce their risks of developing prostate cancer as well as heart disease.
