A TRUS (transrectal ultrasound) is used to image the prostate and nearby tissues. It detects enlargement, nodules or irregularities, assesses prostatitis or abscess, guides needle biopsies and treatments (for example brachytherapy), and measures prostate size for benign prostatic hyperplasia management. It’s commonly performed when PSA levels or urinary/urinary symptoms suggest further investigation.

TRUS (transrectal ultrasound) usually causes mild pressure and discomfort when the probe is inserted; most men find it brief and tolerable. Lubricant and sometimes a local anaesthetic reduce sensations. If a biopsy is taken during the procedure, it can be more uncomfortable and may require local anaesthesia and antibiotics. Rare complications include minor bleeding or infection—discuss pain control and risks with your clinician.

Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) shows prostate size, shape and can guide biopsies, but it cannot reliably detect prostate cancer on its own. Some cancers appear as hypoechoic areas, yet many are not visible. Elevated PSA, abnormal DRE and multiparametric MRI plus tissue biopsy are used for diagnosis. TRUS is mainly used to guide biopsy rather than as a definitive cancer test.

Common side effects after a transrectal ultrasound‑guided (TRUS) prostate biopsy include pain or discomfort, rectal bleeding, blood in the urine and semen, urinary difficulty or retention, and temporary erectile changes. Fever, urinary tract infection or prostatitis can occur; rarely a severe bloodstream infection (sepsis) develops. Symptoms usually resolve within days, but seek urgent care for high fever, heavy bleeding, or inability to pass urine.

Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) is generally superior to transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) alone for detecting clinically significant prostate cancer: mpMRI better identifies suspicious lesions, has higher sensitivity and negative predictive value, and allows targeted biopsies while reducing unnecessary sampling. TRUS remains useful for guiding biopsies and is cheaper and more accessible, but it’s less accurate as a standalone imaging test.

Recovery after a prostate ultrasound is usually quick. For a transabdominal scan there’s no downtime. For transrectal scans (with or without biopsy) expect mild rectal discomfort and possibly small amounts of blood in urine, stool or semen for a few days to weeks. Resume normal activities same day; take pain relievers and fluids. Seek urgent care for fever, severe pain, heavy bleeding, or difficulty urinating.