A prostate ultrasound is a fast, safe, and highly valuable diagnostic imaging procedure in urology. It uses sound waves (ultrasound) to generate real-time images of the prostate gland and surrounding tissues, enabling specialists to evaluate its size, contour, and internal architecture without exposure to radiation.
Knowing when a prostate ultrasound is needed is essential for men’s health. In clinical practice, a urologist prescribes this exam when a patient reports troubling lower urinary tract symptoms, when blood test results reveal an elevated PSA level, or following abnormal findings during a routine digital rectal examination.
What conditions does a prostate ultrasound detect?
By offering detailed visualization of the pelvic region, this exam helps identify or rule out several prostatic conditions:
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, very common past age 50, which compresses the urethra and obstructs urinary flow.
- Prostatitis: Inflammation or bacterial infection of the prostate gland.
- Nodules or cysts: Structural abnormalities requiring closer investigation.
- Male fertility issues: Assessment of the seminal vesicles and ejaculatory ducts.
When is this exam indicated? (Warning signs)
A urologist will recommend this examination under the following clinical circumstances:
A. Abnormal PSA blood test results
If your routine check-up or laboratory panel indicates a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) concentration higher than expected for your age group, an ultrasound is the next diagnostic step to visualize the anatomy of the gland.
B. Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)
You should arrange an evaluation with a urologist if you consistently experience:
- Difficulty, straining, or discomfort when starting to urinate.
- A weak, disrupted, or spraying urinary stream.
- Urgent and frequent urination, particularly through the night (nocturia).
- The sensation of incomplete bladder emptying.
- Visible blood in your urine (hematuria) or semen.
How is it performed? Types of prostate ultrasound
There are two main approaches for this examination, selected based on the clinical details required:
- Abdominal Prostate Ultrasound (Suprapubic): The specialist guides the transducer across the lower abdomen above the pubic bone. This is completely non-invasive and requires a full bladder to provide an acoustic window and assess post-void residual urine volume.
- Transrectal Prostate Ultrasound (TRUS): A slender, lubricated probe is gently inserted into the rectum. Because the rectal wall sits directly adjacent to the prostate, this method delivers high-resolution imagery. While patients often feel apprehensive, the procedure is completed in a few minutes, remains painless, and typically causes only mild temporary pressure.
When should you see a specialist?
Men over 50 (or over 45 with a family history of prostate conditions) who are overdue for an annual check-up, or anyone experiencing urinary discomfort, should promptly schedule a consultation with a urologist.
At CreuBlanca, we provide continuous, integrated clinical care. During your consultation, our urologists evaluate your medical history, perform the ultrasound on-site using high-resolution systems, and deliver immediate diagnostic findings alongside an individualized treatment plan.
Comprehensive Prostate Care in Barcelona and Maresme
Experiencing urinary discomfort or looking for a fast prostate ultrasound?
CreuBlanca features an experienced team of urologists equipped with state-of-the-art ultrasound platforms to deliver high diagnostic precision and optimal patient comfort. We welcome patients at our primary centers: Clínica CreuBlanca (Barcelona) and Hospital CreuBlanca Maresme (Mataró).
We streamline your healthcare pathway to ensure rapid diagnostic confirmation and swift report turnaround. Consultations and tests are available for private self-pay patients and through our partnerships with more than 30 private health insurance providers.