If you are female or a child, feel free to take your prostate, or lack of
one, for granted. Everyone else should give it some thought. To be more exact,
males should have a prostate exam if:
They have any symptoms of BPH, prostatitis, or prostate cancer.
Are in their mid-to-late 40s.
Have a family history of prostate cancer.
Are African-American and entering their mid-30s (prostate cancer is
prominent among African-American males).
What is a Prostate Exam?
So you're thinking about a prostate exam, but are nervous about what that
pertains. Will you need a hug afterward? Well, while hugs are universally
considered a positive thing, you should be just fine. Currently, prostate exams
consist primarily of:
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): This exam is used to detect any
abnormalities in the rectum. The doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into
the rectum and feels for anything that is not normal. There's just no way of
making this sound different from what it is. Trust us, however, it won't be as
bad as you think and it's a simple, yet vital test for prostate health. And
perhaps your doctor will send you flowers afterward.
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: PSA is a protein and part of
the semen produced by certain cells in the prostate gland. Most of the PSA
produced is removed from your body via semen, but a miniscule amount escapes
into the blood stream. An abnormal PSA reading can be a strong indicator of
potential or ongoing prostate problems. An added plus: As opposed to the DRE,
the PSA is screened by a simple blood test.
Transrectal Ultrasound Test: Yes, the name is terrifying. It's a
scientific fact that anything with the word “transrectal” in it can't be good.
However, this is a simple ultrasound test that examines the prostate and
surrounding areas. No radiation is present and you'll feel no discomfort
whatsoever, aside from possibly just being a little weird.