The prostate refers to a walnut-sized organ found in the body of a male. This reproductive gland is found between the penis and the bladder and sits in front of the rectum. The main function of this small gland is to produce certain fluid components found in the semen.
One of the major problems that the prostate gland usually has is known as prostate cancer. This type of cancer is one of the leading causes of death among men around the globe. It progressively damages the prostate gland and other organs around it. Although prostate cancer can be somewhat difficult to treat, early diagnosis can make a big difference. This is where going for a prostate exam comes into the picture.
What is a prostate exam?
A prostate exam is a screening test often utilized to detect if the prostate gland has any problem. Otherwise called a digital rectal exam (DRE), a prostate exam can help to find any early signs of prostate cancer. With the aid of the exam, a healthcare provider can use their finger to feel the surface and edges of the prostate gland.
Who should go for a prostate exam?
You are probably wondering whether you should go for prostate cancer screening or not. Generally, all men are advised to go for routine prostate exams. Nonetheless, the exam is even more important for certain people as they are more predisposed to prostate cancer and other forms of prostate problems.
- Are you older than 50 years old?
- Are you an African American?
- Do you have a family history of prostate cancer?
- Have you tested positive for HOXB13, BRCA1, or BRCA2 gene mutations?
- Are you experiencing symptoms such as frequent or painful urination, blood in the urine, or some sexual issues?
If your answer to any of these questions is yes, then you should not hesitate to go for a prostate exam. This test will help you to detect any early signs of prostate cancer.
How is the exam performed?
Foremost, the exam must be only performed by a trained healthcare provider who can easily detect early signs of prostate problems. During the exam, you may be asked to lie down or stand.
The healthcare provider will wear a glove and ask you to keep your feet apart. They will add some lubricant to their gloved finger and insert it into the rectum downwardly. This will probably cause slight pain, pressure, or discomfort. Nevertheless, it will be short and mild.
You need to relax and breathe calmly as the examiner moves their finger circularly to find the lobes of the prostate. Your examiner will instruct you to make a couple of movements so that they can check for various changes in the prostate gland.
Notably, your examiner will focus on finding any of the following during the prostate exam:
- Swelling of the gland (normally, the triangular-shaped gland should be about 2-4cm long)
- Tenderness of the gland
- Lumps on or around the gland
- Abnormalities in the shape or size of the gland
- Hard bums or spots around the gland
Whether an abnormality is detected or not, the examiner will remove the gloved finger. Then, you have to clean the remaining lubricant around your rectum. If there is no issue, your health provider will determine when you should come back for the next prostate cancer screening. You can also go for a prostate massage in London because the massage will help you to reduce the risk of having prostate cancer and other similar problems.
If any abnormality is detected, more tests may be ordered to confirm any diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the common tests that you may need to undergo. If early signs of cancer are present, a prostate biopsy will be likely scheduled. This can lead to a plethora of other procedures that can assist you to take care of your health condition.
What should you consider before undergoing a prostate exam?
Before undergoing a prostate exam, it is important to consult your healthcare provider. Ejaculation can lead to a temporary increase in your prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and this can impact the results of the exam. As a result of this, you may be asked to abstain from sex for about 48 hours before the scheduled test.
Also, if you are suffering from anal tears, anal fissures, haemorrhoids, and other related issues, you may experience lots of discomfort from the exam. Therefore, it is paramount to explain your existing conditions to your examiner. With this, your healthcare provider will be able to decide whether you should undergo a prostate exam or not.
In conclusion, this article has described the steps that a healthcare provider has to follow when performing a prostate exam. So, when going for a prostate exam, you now understand what you should expect.
