Prostate exams are an important screening tool for men to detect prostate cancer early.

Despite being a somewhat uncomfortable procedure, it is a necessary aspect of overall health maintenance as it may detect potential issues before they have a chance to progress.

What is a Prostate Exam?

A prostate exam, also known as a digital rectal exam, is a quick and simple procedure that involves a physician or trained medical professional inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland.

This is done to check for any signs of swelling, lumps, or other abnormalities that may indicate prostate cancer or other issues like prostate enlargement or infection.

Why is a Prostate Exam Important?

Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer in men, with over 190,000 new cases diagnosed each year. When detected early, prostate cancer is highly treatable and has a high survival rate.

However, it often develops without any noticeable symptoms, making it impossible for men to detect on their own.

A prostate exam is an important screening tool to detect potential issues before they progress.

Prostate exams are also useful in detecting other prostate-related issues such as infections, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), chronic prostatitis, and other conditions.

When Should You Get a Prostate Exam?

Generally, men should start getting prostate exams at age 50 unless there is a family history of prostate cancer or other risk factors. Men with a family history of prostate cancer should start getting screened at age 40.

More frequent prostate exams may be recommended for men who have a higher risk of prostate cancer due to age, family history, race, or other factors.

What to Expect During a Prostate Exam

A prostate exam is a relatively quick and straightforward procedure that typically only takes a few minutes. During the exam, the doctor will insert a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland.

The doctor may also check nearby lymph nodes for swelling, lumps, or other abnormalities.

While the exam may be uncomfortable or awkward, it should not be painful. Patients should be able to resume their normal activities after the exam unless otherwise instructed by their doctor.

Preparing for a Prostate Exam

There are typically no special preparations needed for a prostate exam. However, patients may need to refrain from certain activities such as sexual activity or using a rectal suppository beforehand to avoid interfering with the exam results.

It is also important to inform the doctor of any medications, supplements or concerns before the exam.

Prostate Exam Results

Normal results from a prostate exam indicate that the prostate gland is of normal size, texture, and consistency.

Abnormal results may indicate swelling, lumps or other abnormalities that can be further investigated through additional testing such as blood tests, imaging tests, or biopsies.

The Bottom Line

A prostate exam is an important screening tool for men to detect potential issues early, including prostate cancer. Early detection is key to treating and preventing the progression of prostate cancer and other prostate-related issues.

Men should speak with their doctor about when they should start getting screened and how often they should continue the screenings based on their individual health circumstances.