Preparing for Prostate Biopsy: Understanding Fleet Enemas

The prostate, a small gland that secrets fluid during ejaculation, can develop unchecked cellular growth or cancer. Although a prostate exam can alert your urologist that there is some sort of problem with your prostate gland, a prostate biopsy is the only definitive way to diagnose prostate cancer. In preparation for a prostate biopsy, your urologist may ask you to use a Fleet enema to clean out your bowels the night before.

Instructions

• 1

  Assume a comfortable position. For many people, this would be a lying-down position with your knees bent and drawn to your chest. Consider putting a towel down to avoid drips or spills from the enema fluid.

• 2

  Remove the cap from the applicator tip and insert the applicator tip into your rectal opening, pointed in the direction of your naval. Squeeze the contents of the attached bottle until the enema fluid is almost all gone. Use firm, steady pressure and a slight side-to-side movement.

• 3

  When all the enema fluid is gone, remove the applicator tip from your rectal opening. Stay in position until you feel the intense urge to use the bathroom. It should not take more than about five minutes before you feel the urge.