Prostate Ultrasound

A prostate ultrasound evaluates the prostate gland to determine the cause of health concerns like problems with urination or high blood levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). UltraSound Associates USA, LLC, in Houston, Texas, provides expert prostate ultrasound testing using the latest imaging technology. The diagnostic ultrasound center also ensures that patients get their reports within 24 hours. Call today or schedule an appointment online.

What is a prostate ultrasound?

A prostate ultrasound is an imaging test that looks at the prostate gland, a walnut-sized gland below the bladder and wrapped around the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). The prostate gland is a male sex organ that produces the fluid that makes up semen.

The prostate gland continues to grow as you get older, which can cause problems if it affects urine flow through the urethra.

A prostate ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create a picture of the gland so that health care providers can see its size and structure and look for abnormalities.

Why would I need a prostate ultrasound?

Your referring provider for the prostate ultrasound explains why you need the imaging test.

The prostate ultrasound is done to determine the cause of symptoms like increased urination, difficulty starting urination, or a weak urine stream. These symptoms could indicate benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — an enlarged prostate.

You’ll also need a prostate ultrasound if you have high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. A PSA test is the standard screening for prostate cancer. If your levels are higher than normal, your health care provider will request a follow-up prostate ultrasound to confirm or rule out cancer.

I’m worried about comfort during a prostate ultrasound. What can I expect?

Because of where the prostate is, UltraSound Associates USA, LLC, performs a transrectal ultrasound when evaluating the gland. For this test, they use a small transducer that enters the body through the anus.

The ultrasound technician has you lie on your side on the ultrasound table. They place a condomlike cover over the wand and cover it with transducer gel. It’s then inserted into the anus. You could feel some pressure but no pain.

The ultrasound technician makes slight movements of the wand during the test to get images of the prostate gland from several angles. You must remain still during the test.

What happens after a prostate ultrasound?

You can resume your activities after your prostate ultrasound at UltraSound Associates USA, LLC. The radiologist reviews the images and writes a report within 24 hours.

The report is sent to the referring health care provider, who discusses the findings with you.

Call UltraSound Associates USA, LLC, today or click the online booking button to schedule an appointment.