The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that is located near your bladder. The main function of the prostate is to help in the production of semen.
If you are feeling the symptoms of having an enlarged or inflamed prostate, maybe the next best course of action is to get your prostate examined to know for sure.
Why do you need a prostate exam?
Aside from learning if you have an enlarged prostate and taking a look into your prostate health as you age, getting a prostate examination will also let you determine if you have prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is the second-most common type of cancer in American men, so it is really something you need to get checked, especially if you are feeling the symptoms.
How is the prostate exam done?
If you don’t know what to expect when you decide to get a prostate exam, there are several ways to check the prostate, such as:
Prostate-specific antigen exam
You can get your blood tested to find out if you are experiencing prostate cancer. However, the PSA test can produce false-positive and false-negative results, which could lead to additional testing, so make sure you ask your doctor if a PSA exam is the best option for you.
Digital rectal exam
A digital rectal exam is the most common way to check your prostate health. It is a quick and simple
procedure that is probably more accurate than others.
During a digital rectal exam, you will need to bend at the waist while standing or lying on your side with your knees hitting your chest. The person who will be conducting the exam will lubricate a gloved finger and gently place it inside the rectum.
It might feel uncomfortable for the patient compared to a PSA exam, but the results are more accurate.
In addition, a digital rectal exam has no risks.
