The prostate is a small gland, roughly the size of a walnut, located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It plays a crucial role in producing the fluid that makes up semen. As men age, the risk of prostate issues, including cancer, increases. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, but the reason why men are more likely to develop it as they get older is still unclear. Given this, regular prostate exams are highly recommended to catch any potential problems early. If you’re wondering, “What is a prostate exam?” and what it’s like, keep reading. This guide will clear up any confusion and help you understand what to expect during the process.
What Happens During a Prostate Exam?
When you go for a prostate exam, it usually starts with a conversation with your doctor. You’ll discuss any symptoms you’ve been experiencing, like dribbling urine, blood in your urine or semen, or difficulty urinating. It’s essential to be open and honest during this conversation so that your doctor can assess your condition accurately. Don’t forget to mention any family history of prostate cancer, as it could impact your risk level.
Since the prostate is an internal organ, it’s not something your doctor can just look at directly. Instead, two common tests are used:
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
Most people associate the term “prostate exam” with a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE). During this exam, you’ll be asked to undress and position yourself on your side or bend over the examination table to make the rectal area easily accessible. The doctor will first check for any external issues like hemorrhoids or lumps around the anus. Then, a gloved, lubricated finger will be gently inserted into the rectum to feel the prostate for any abnormalities. While this may feel uncomfortable, it’s not usually painful. It’s important to remember that the benefits of having this exam far outweigh any momentary discomfort. - Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test
The PSA test measures the level of a protein in your blood that tends to rise when prostate cancer is developing. Although PSA levels can be elevated for reasons other than cancer, it’s one of the best tools available to help detect prostate problems early. A PSA level above 4 ng/mL is often associated with the presence of prostate cancer, though it’s not a definitive diagnosis. This test involves a simple blood draw, usually from your arm, and results are typically available within a few days.
Who Should Get a Prostate Exam?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to when men should begin prostate exams. If you’re wondering whether you need one, here are some general guidelines to consider:
- Average risk: Start discussing with your doctor around age 50.
- High risk: If you have a close relative who was diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65, talk to your doctor about starting exams around age 45.
- Very high risk: If you have multiple close relatives diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age, you should consider starting screening around age 40.
Regardless of your situation, it’s important to have a conversation with your doctor about the pros and cons of screening and what’s best for you.
What If You Need Further Testing?
If your DRE or PSA test results come back abnormal, your doctor might suggest additional tests to confirm whether you have prostate cancer. This could involve an ultrasound to get detailed images of your prostate or a biopsy, where a small sample of tissue is taken from the prostate to check for cancer cells.
These tests can help determine if cancer is present and guide your doctor in recommending the best treatment options. But don’t worry, these additional tests aren’t something to be afraid of—they’re part of the process to ensure that you get the right care if needed.
Remember, a prostate exam might feel a little awkward, but it could save your life by detecting potential issues early.