A few weeks ago I posted asking about others’ experience with the transperineal biopsy. Now that I’ve had mine, here’s the rundown for anyone who finds this later.

Overall, better than I expected. The staff were professional and made a real effort to put me at ease. The exam table itself and the positioning was more comfortable than I’d braced for. The local anesthetic went in like a shot at the dentist, one pinch, gone in a few seconds.

They took 12 core samples plus two from a targeted area. Those two were harder. Each one sent a sharp jolt from inside straight to the tip of the penis. The doctor explained that spot was close to the urethra, the most sensitive area they sample. It was uncomfortable, but each time it was over in an instant, not something that lingered.

The next day I was sore in the rear, with no bruising and no blood in my urine so far.

One thing worth mentioning, mostly so others know what to expect: the nurses had me up on the table, legs in position, covered but still felt exposed, about 30 minutes before the doctor was ready, because he was running long with another patient. I understood why, and I’d want him to take that same time with me if I needed it, but lying there for 45 minutes instead of the 15 to 20 I was told beforehand was harder than the procedure itself. The nurses checked in and apologized along the way, so it felt more like an unpredictable schedule than a lack of care. It’s a bit surreal having a conversation in this position, but somehow I found myself doing just that because every person in the room helped to put me at ease.

This was done at an NCI-designated cancer center, in case that’s useful context for the setup and staff experience. Two nurses, a medical student, and the doctor.

Now I’m waiting. Follow-up is scheduled 7 to 10 days out for results. I read a lot of posts here before my own procedure, and they helped me know what to expect. Hoping this does the same for the next person who ends up here looking for the same thing.