Importance Of The Prostate Exam

Many men attributed problems with urination to sexually transmitted diseases or even kidney malfunctions. However, urination problems such as frequent nighttime urination and problems initiating urination are often due to prostate diseases. Many men postpone the obvious, they need to have yearly check ups to check the prostate and ensure their good health.

Not all diseases related to the prostate are prostate cancer. Though this is indeed the most feared prostate problem among men, there are others. The inflammation and swelling of the prostate known as prostatitis is due to infection. Prostate hyperplasia, more commonly referenced as enlargement of the prostate is common among men 50 years and older.

Regardless of what form of prostate disease and man may have it is highly important to receive regular prostate exams. A prostate exam is not only necessary when symptoms occur, but rather also as a proactive step to catch any prostate health problems before situations arise. There are also some poor health practices that are red flags for prostate problems, and should warrant a prostate exam immediately. These include poor diet, and a lack of exercise.

Before getting a prostate exam a physician will give you a regular physical and ask a general health questions, such as family history, lifestyle, your own health history, and your diet. With all this information the physician will then make a decision about whether or not a prostate exam is warranted.

The prostate exam comes in many different forms, but they all share the same goal; that is to determine if there are any prostate related diseases present. The results of a prostate exam I either available within a few minutes, or in some cases a few days depending on the type of prostate exam.

The most common form of prostate exam is the digital rectal exam. During this prostate exam the doctor will insert a gloved and lubricated finger up the patients’ anus to feel the prostate for any swelling or lumps. If the doctor determines that there is an infection present he or she will massage the prostate so that it will secrete a liquid that can then be examined. While this form of prostate exam is seen as an inconvenience by most patients it is generally quite quick.

The prostate specific antigen test, or PSA blood test is used on patients that show obvious symptoms of prostate cancer. The PSA blood test is never done alone, but rather done in conjunction with the digital rectal prostate exam. This test does carry the recommendations of the FDA, however it is still not known whether or not the test is 100% accurate. Because of this until further information on testing is available patients will always have to use the digital rectal prostate exam first.

A prostate biopsy is used in cases where the suspicion of prostate cancer is high. During this procedure a needle is attached to a device that is inserted up the patients’ rectum to collect a specimen from the prostate. Like the PSA blood test, the prostate biopsy is never done without the digital rectal prostate exam. Not because it is unproven, but rather because it is unnecessary unless there is a high degree of likelihood that the patient has cancer.

Early detection is the key to maintaining prostate health, and beating prostate cancer. That said scheduling a regular prostate exam is the only way to catch any potential problems before they become big health issues.