Prostate Ultrasound in Toronto & the GTA
A scan of the prostate, over the lower belly or from inside the rectum, depending on what your doctor ordered.
At a glance
- How long
- About 20 to 45 minutes depending on the exam
- How to prepare
- See the steps below Full instructions
- Cost
- Covered by OHIP With a requisition. Without OHIP from $280
- Results
- 24 to 48 hours Report sent to your doctor
A prostate ultrasound is a scan that uses sound waves to look at the prostate gland, which sits just below the bladder. It can be done over the lower belly with a full bladder, or from inside the rectum, which is called a transrectal ultrasound. It uses no radiation, and the preparation depends on which one you are having.
Your doctor or nurse practitioner orders it on a requisition, which says which type you need. They will go over the report with you.
Why your doctor might order it
- To check the size of the prostate
- To look into urinary symptoms
- To follow up on a physical exam or blood test results
How to prepare
- Prostate: drink 4 large glasses (1 litre) of water 1 hour before your appointment. Do not go to the washroom until the examination is complete.
- Transrectal: buy a FLEET enema from a pharmacy and follow the package instructions. Take it two hours before your appointment.
- Transrectal: drink 4 large glasses (1 litre) of water 1 hour before, and do not go to the washroom until the exam is complete.
- Not sure which instructions apply to you? Call us before your appointment.
What happens at your appointment
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early with your health card and your signed requisition.
- For a scan over the belly, you lie on your back and the sonographer moves a small probe with gel over your lower belly.
- For a transrectal scan, you change in private, lie on your side, and the sonographer explains each step before placing the probe.
- When it is done you can go to the washroom, get dressed and carry on with your day.
- A radiologist reads your images. Your results are sent securely to your referring provider, who will review them with you.
How long: About 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the exam.
Cost and OHIP coverage
With a valid Ontario health card and a requisition, this exam is covered by OHIP. There is no charge for the exam, the report or your images.
Without OHIP, Bluewater's cash fee schedule lists a prostate or transrectal ultrasound at $280, as of October 2026. The full list of self-pay prices is on our Insurance & Billing page.
About the transrectal scan
For a transrectal ultrasound, you lie on your side with your knees bent. A thin probe with a protective cover and gel is placed gently into the rectum. Most people feel pressure rather than pain, and the internal part usually takes only a few minutes.
The sonographer explains each step before it starts, and you can ask questions at any point. If you have concerns, you can talk them over with staff, or with the doctor who ordered the scan, before you go ahead.
Where to have it done
- 123 Edward Street 123 Edward Street, Suite 600, Toronto Book
- Eglinton Avenue East 150 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 301, Toronto Book
- Etobicoke 3170 Lake Shore Blvd West, Suite 101, Etobicoke Book
- Keele & Ingram 2221 Keele Street, Suite 106, North York Book
- Lawrence & Dufferin 960 Lawrence Ave. West, Suite 203, North York Book
- Scarborough 1371 Neilson Road, Suite 309, Scarborough Book
- University Heights 1275 Finch Ave W, Suite 114, North York Book
- Woodbridge 4600 Highway 7 West, Unit LL30, Woodbridge Book
- Belleville 210 Dundas Street East, Suite 301, Belleville Book
- Port Hope 249 Ontario Street, Suite 110, Port Hope Book
All ten clinics list general ultrasound. To check which clinic does transrectal ultrasound, call 416-462-0064.
Common questions
How do I prepare for a prostate ultrasound?
For a prostate ultrasound over the belly, drink 4 large glasses (1 litre) of water 1 hour before your appointment, and do not go to the washroom until the examination is complete. A transrectal ultrasound also needs a FLEET enema from the pharmacy, taken two hours before.
What is a transrectal ultrasound?
It is a prostate ultrasound done with a thin, covered probe placed gently into the rectum. Because the probe sits close to the prostate, it gives a detailed view. Most people feel pressure rather than pain.
Does a transrectal ultrasound hurt?
Most people find it uncomfortable rather than painful, and the internal part usually takes only a few minutes. Tell the sonographer if anything hurts. They can slow down or adjust.
Is a prostate ultrasound covered by OHIP?
Yes, with a valid Ontario health card and a requisition. Without OHIP, Bluewater's self-pay price for a prostate or transrectal ultrasound is $280, as of October 2026.