Will an animated video reduce pain during a prostate biopsy procedure?
Prostate biopsy can be painful and anxiety-provoking, especially when patients don't know what to expect. An animated video that explains the procedure step-by-step may help by reducing fear and uncertainty. A 2026 randomized controlled trial specifically tested this approach for transperineal prostate biopsy and found that it lowered pain scores and improved satisfaction compared to standard written and verbal information alone 610.
What the research says
A 2026 randomized controlled trial involving 103 men scheduled for transperineal prostate biopsy directly tested whether an animated video could reduce pain and anxiety 610. Patients who watched the video before the procedure reported significantly less pain during local anesthesia injection and overall procedural pain compared to those who received only standard information 610. Pain was measured using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), a standard 0-10 pain rating tool 610.
The video group also had higher satisfaction and better tolerability of the procedure 610. While anxiety scores decreased in both groups, the reduction was greater in the video group, though this difference did not reach statistical significance 610. These findings suggest that the main benefit of the animated video is directly on pain perception and overall experience, likely by improving patient knowledge and reducing distress 610.
Other studies have shown that distraction techniques like watching cartoons can reduce pain and fear in children during medical procedures such as IV insertion 4. However, the prostate biopsy study used an educational animated video rather than a distraction video, and it was tested specifically in adults undergoing a prostate procedure 610. The evidence is strongest for this specific context.
What to ask your doctor
- Does your clinic offer any educational videos or animations about the prostate biopsy procedure?
- Would watching an animated video before the biopsy be helpful for me to reduce pain and anxiety?
- What other non-drug methods (like relaxation techniques or music) are available to help me during the biopsy?
- How is pain managed during the biopsy, and what can I do to prepare?
- Can I request to watch an informational video before the procedure?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about Urology and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.