Prostate exams are an important part of preventive health care for men. A prostate exam screens for abnormalities in the prostate, a small gland in the male reproductive system. Ultimately, these exams can help detect early signs of prostate cancer.
If your test results are abnormal, your doctor may recommend further testing to confirm a diagnosis and create a treatment plan. “When detected early, prostate cancer is highly treatable,” said Dr. Milan Shah, a urologist with University Health.
What Is a Prostate Exam?
A prostate exam often includes both a digital rectal exam and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. They are often administered together to get the most accurate results.
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
During a digital rectal exam, your provider will insert a lubricated, gloved finger into your rectum to feel for nodules or lesions on the prostate. While it may be uncomfortable, it should not be painful, and this exam only lasts a few seconds. Let your provider know before the exam if you have hemorrhoids, as they can cause more discomfort.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test
The PSA test measures how much prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is in your blood. PSA is a protein produced in the prostate. Your provider will draw your blood and send it to a laboratory for testing.
“A high PSA result does not necessarily mean you have cancer. It could be the result of an inflamed or enlarged prostate. Your provider will determine the best next steps for you,” said Dr. Shah.
Talk to your doctor to see if PSA screening is appropriate for you.
When Should Men Consider Screening?
Doctors recommend that men at an average risk for prostate cancer get a prostate exam starting at age 50. Men at average risk should get screened every two to four years.
Men with an increased risk of developing prostate cancer should get screened starting at age 40-45.
Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer
- Family history: Having a first-degree relative (father or brother) with prostate cancer
- Race or ethnicity: Being African American
- Age: Men older than 65 are more likely than younger men to be diagnosed with prostate cancer
- Certain gene mutations inherited from parents
Warning Signs of Prostate Problems
In its early stages, prostate cancer may not cause any symptoms.
While these symptoms don’t necessarily indicate a serious condition, be sure to tell your doctor if you experience:
- Difficulty urinating
- Frequent urination
- Painful urination and/or ejaculation
- Difficulty emptying the bladder completely
- Blood in the urine or semen
Navigating Next Steps
After a prostate exam, your doctor will notify you of your results. If your results are normal, future screening will be based on shared decision making.
If your results are abnormal, your provider may recommend an MRI of the prostate or a prostate biopsy. An MRI of the prostate can identify suspicious areas in the prostate that might indicate cancer. A prostate biopsy takes several samples of tissue from your prostate to look under a microscope to look for cancer cells. This is the only definitive way to diagnose prostate cancer. Talk to your doctor about which option is right for you.
If your biopsy results show cancer, your team may refer you to various specialists, including a medical oncologist (cancer doctor), a radiation oncologist and a urologic oncologist, who will guide you through next steps. Depending on the stage of the cancer, it may be highly treatable. Your health care team at University Health is here to guide you every step of the way.
Urology Care at University Health
University Health urologists are dedicated to your care. We specialize in conditions of the urinary and male reproductive systems and will guide you through every step of your care.
Learn more about how we treat prostate conditions on our website.
