🧲 What is it?
Prostate MRI (or multiparametric prostate MRI) is the reference examination to assess the prostate without X-rays. It helps to detect and locate prostate cancer, guide biopsies and monitor a known abnormality. Results are graded with the PI-RADS score (1 to 5), which estimates the risk of significant cancer.
⚡ Prostate MRI — At a glance
Prostate MRI provides detailed imaging of the prostate gland, used to characterise an enlarged prostate before treatment, or to investigate a suspicious PSA level or nodule.
| Criterion | Data |
|---|---|
| Duration | About 30–45 minutes |
| Preparation | Sometimes an enema beforehand; avoid ejaculation for 3 days if assessing suspected cancer |
| Contrast injection | Often used (gadolinium) unless contraindicated |
| Use before PAE | Helps map the prostate arteries and assess gland volume |
| Cost | Covered by French national health insurance at Cochin AP-HP — no out-of-pocket fees |
Data validated by the team of Prof. Anthony Dohan, Department of Interventional Radiology, Cochin Hospital AP-HP, Université Paris Cité.
📋 How to prepare
You should have a moderately full bladder (avoid urinating in the hour before the examination).
A rectal enema may be requested to improve image quality: follow the instructions given when booking.
Bring your recent PSA level, previous examination reports and a list of your medications.
Report any implanted device (pacemaker, prosthesis, implant), allergy or kidney impairment (contrast injection — gadolinium — is not always required).
Tell us if you have had a recent prostate biopsy: a delay of several weeks is often preferable so it does not affect interpretation.
▶️ How does it work?
You lie on your back inside the MRI scanner. The examination is painless but noisy: headphones or earplugs are provided.
Several sequences are acquired, including diffusion and perfusion, which are the strength of multiparametric MRI.
A contrast injection (gadolinium) into an arm vein may be performed depending on the indication.
It is important to stay still during the acquisitions to ensure sharp images.
✅ After the examination
You can resume your usual activities immediately.
If contrast was injected, drink plenty of fluids to flush it out.
The report, including the PI-RADS score, is sent to your urologist or doctor within 2 to 5 working days.
❓ Questions fréquentes
What is a prostate MRI?
Is prostate MRI painful?
What does the PI-RADS score mean?
Should the MRI be done before or after the biopsy?
Does a normal MRI rule out cancer?
🔗 See also
✓ Why this page is trustworthy
Written by the Interventional Radiology team at Cochin Hospital AP-HP, Université Paris Cité. Medically reviewed by an interventional radiologist of the department. Last updated: August 2026.