Prostate ultrasound is a key imaging exam used to assess the prostate and support the diagnosis of various urological diseases. It is simple, quick and safe, allowing evaluation of the prostate gland and associated structures such as the bladder and seminal vesicles. It can be performed via the suprapubic route or by an endocavitary (transrectal) approach, the latter providing the greatest level of detail.
What is a Prostate Ultrasound and what is it for?
Prostate ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves emitted by a probe, which travel through the tissues and are reflected, forming real-time images of the region being examined.
At X-Clinic, ultrasounds are performed with the latest technology, using high-end High-Resolution Digital Ultrasound equipment, including three-dimensional technology and real-time 3D visualization – 4D, Color Doppler, and panoramic imaging.
Prostate ultrasound is painless, harmless and non-invasive, and is generally used to:
- Assess the size, shape and structure of the prostate;
- Identify signs of benign enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia);
- Look for inflammation (prostatitis) and infectious changes;
- Detect lesions suspicious for prostate cancer;
- Assess the seminal vesicles, identifying cysts or nodules;
- Evaluate bladder emptying and measure post-void residual urine.
How much does a Prostate Ultrasound cost?
The price of a prostate ultrasound is €60 on a private basis. However, X-Clinic has the following agreements:
- ADSE (the patient only pays the co-payment of €7 a €8), ADM GNR, SAD PSP;
- Insurance companies: Médis, Multicare, Advance Care, Allianz, Saúde Prime, Future HealthCare, SS CGD, SAMS Quadros, SAMS, Montepio, RNA, Generali, Mudum, MGEN, Aegon, Vitória, Una Seguros, other insurers;
- Health Plans: Medicare, Saúde Prime, Future HealthCare, Continente Wells, ACP, other health plans.
The final price varies depending on the healthcare system or insurance you wish to use.
How is it performed?
Prostate ultrasound can be performed in two ways:
- Suprapubic Prostate Ultrasound: the probe is placed on the skin of the lower abdomen after applying gel. This allows assessment of the prostate volume, its overall morphology and analysis of the bladder, including post-void residual urine (urine that remains after urinating). However, it provides less detail about the internal structure of the gland.
- Endocavitary (transrectal) route: the patient lies on their side with legs flexed, and a thin probe is introduced into the rectum. This method may cause slight discomfort but is not painful. It is the most accurate exam for assessing the prostate, allowing detailed evaluation of its texture, capsule and any suspicious lesions, as well as changes in the seminal vesicles.
Both techniques are quick, lasting only a few minutes, depending on the complexity of the study.
What does it detect?
Prostate ultrasound is essential for identifying different prostate conditions. It allows diagnosis of benign prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia), detection of signs of inflammation (prostatitis) and visualization of lesions suspicious for prostate cancer. It also enables assessment of the seminal vesicles, revealing cysts or nodules, and evaluation of the bladder, particularly its capacity and the volume of residual urine after voiding.
This exam is frequently used in the follow-up of patients with urinary complaints, in the monitoring of known abnormalities and to support the decision on whether a prostate biopsy is needed.
In which cases is it indicated?
Prostate ultrasound may be recommended in several clinical situations, such as:
- Urinary symptoms (difficulty urinating, weak stream, urgency or increased frequency);
- Suspected benign prostatic hyperplasia;
- Investigation of prostatitis (inflammation or infection);
- Screening for or suspicion of prostate cancer;
- Presence of blood in the urine or semen;
- Assessment of male infertility;
- Post-surgical follow-up or after prostate biopsy;
- Measurement of post-void residual urine in the bladder;
- Among others.
Preparing for a Prostate Ultrasound
Preparation varies depending on the technique used:
Preparation for Endocavitary (Transrectal) Prostate Ultrasound
Before a transrectal prostate ultrasound, you should perform rectal cleansing with a micro-enema, according to medical advice, to make the procedure easier.
Preparation for Suprapubic Prostate Ultrasound
For suprapubic prostate ultrasound, you should drink 1 litre of water one hour before the exam and avoid urinating, to ensure the bladder is full.
In either case, you should bring previous exams (ultrasounds, blood tests, medical reports) and the exam prescription.
Where to have it done?
Prostate Ultrasound can be performed at X-Clinic (Av. Eng. Duarte Pacheco, nº26 – mezzanine floor, 1070-110 Lisbon) or at NRD (Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, nº 11-B, ground floor, 1070 – 060 Lisbon – next to Praça de Espanha)
