I had a prostate biopsy on Friday 13th March (I remember the date well!) following an elevated PSA blood test score and a DRE (Digital Rectal Exam). The doctor taking the DRE said that my prostate was lumpy (a pretty sure sign of cancer rather than a benign enlargement).
I had the biopsy at the Royal Free Hospital. It involved inserting a probe with ultrasound up the anus and firing a needle gun into the prostate through the bowel wall to retrieve the samples. I had fourteen samples taken in total. The needle gun sounds a bit like an air rifle and I remember counting each sample being taken. I don’t remember having any anesthetic but I was given antibiotics in case of any infection.
Following the procedure there was blood in my urine (and semen!) which went after about a fortnight.