Illustration copyright 2003 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

A transrectal ultrasound is used to look at the prostate gland and other pelvic organs in men. A thin probe called a transducer is covered with a lubricated sheath similar to a condom. The transducer is then gently put into the rectum. The transducer sound waves make a picture on a TV screen (monitor).