Photo: Dan Hadley

How can I check my husband's prostate?

put on gloves and put lubricant on one finger. assess the area around the rectum for anything unusual. gently insert a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum. feel the prostate to assess the size and check for bumps, soft or hard spots, and other abnormalities.

medicalnewstoday.com - Prostate exam: How is it done and who should have one?

Can a weak heart be restored?

Although heart failure is a serious condition that progressively gets worse over time, certain cases can be reversed with treatment. Even when the...

Last updated Feb 9, 2018

Why is Red Bull better than Monster?

Red Bull contains caffeine, taurine, B vitamins, and sugar — all of which may provide a short-term energy boost ( 1 , 5 ). Monster contains these...

Last updated Dec 14, 2022

Promotion

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer among adult males in the United States, after skin cancer. However, it is highly treatable, especially in the early stages. Prostate cancer starts in the prostate gland, which is part of the male reproductive system. The gland produces a fluid that helps make up semen. Muscle cells inside the prostate play a role in ejaculation. The American Cancer Society (ACS) expected that there would be 248,530 new prostate cancer diagnoses in the U.S. in 2021 and that around 34,130 people in the country would die from this type of cancer during the year. The ACS also notes that 1 in 8 males will receive a diagnosis of prostate cancer during their lifetime, and around 1 in 41 males will die from the disease. With treatment, there is a good chance of surviving prostate cancer. Prostate cancer often produces no symptoms in the early stages. After a certain age, a doctor may recommend regular screening. A prostate exam can help detect cancer while it is still highly treatable, even if symptoms are not present. What is a prostate exam? Share on Pinterest Melinda Podor/Getty Images Screening involves looking for early signs of disease in people who do not have any symptoms. Cancer screening aims to detect telltale changes at an early stage when treatment is more likely to be effective. Doctors commonly use two main tests to screen for prostate cancer: the digital rectal exam (DRE) the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test Neither test can confirm that prostate cancer is present, as various other factors may influence results. However, these tests can indicate whether further steps are necessary. A prostate biopsy is the only way to confirm that a person has prostate cancer. Before undergoing either of these tests, the person will need to give consent, which involves confirming that they understand the potential benefits and risks. For more research-backed information and resources for men’s health, please visit our dedicated hub. Who needs a test? The ACS recommends talking with a doctor about screening at the following ages: 50 years for males with an average risk and a life expectancy of more than 10 years

45 years for those with a high risk

Can a vitamin D deficiency cause itching?

You may experience red, dry and itchy skin due to vitamin D deficiency. Intake of vitamin D can help you treat such skin problems. It can also...

Last updated Jan 10, 2020

Can prostate come back after removal?

Recurrent prostate cancer is when your cancer comes back after you've had a treatment that aimed to cure it. It's sometimes called prostate cancer...

Last updated Aug 7, 2021

Promotion

40 years for people with more than one close relative (parent or sibling) who developed prostate cancer at an early age (younger than 65) Who has a higher risk? People may have a higher risk if they: are non-Hispanic Black males

are older males, as the average age at diagnosis is 66 years

have one or more relatives with a history of prostate cancer

follow a diet that is high in fat and highly processed carbohydrates

have overweight or obesity

have a sedentary (inactive) lifestyle

have experienced exposure to Agent Orange Black American males are almost 75% more likely to develop prostate cancer than white American males, and 2.2 times more likely to die as a result, according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. The Foundation notes that, while experts do not know why the risk is higher for this group, the fatality rate is likely higher due to unequal access to healthcare and other socioeconomic factors.

Digital rectal examination (DRE) The DRE is a physical examination for changes in the prostate that could indicate a tumor. Before the DRE Common questions to ask before a DRE include: What will happen during the DRE?

How long will it take?

Will it be painful?

How accurate is a DRE, in terms of finding cancer?

What will happen next? The individual should inform their healthcare team if they have hemorrhoids or anal fissures, as a DRE may worsen these. If the person has insurance, they should also ask their insurance provider about coverage and whether there will be additional costs. During the DRE The procedure usually requires the person to undress from the waist down. The specialist may instruct the person to lie on their left side and pull their knees up to their chest or stand and lean against a table. The specialist will: put on gloves and put lubricant on one finger

assess the area around the rectum for anything unusual

gently insert a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum

feel the prostate to assess the size and check for bumps, soft or hard spots, and other abnormalities A DRE is not usually painful, but it may be slightly uncomfortable. It takes only a few minutes to complete. After the DRE After the exam, the doctor will explain the results. The person can usually go back to their regular activities immediately after a DRE. DRE results The doctor will usually explain the results of the DRE after the exam. The person may also undergo a PSA test on the same day. If the doctor believes that further steps may be necessary, they will base this on the results of both the PSA and DRE. It is worth noting that a DRE can often produce a false-positive result . If the doctor detects changes in the prostate gland, this does not necessarily indicate cancer. Prostate nodules can develop because of prostate cancer or other prostate-related conditions. Learn more about prostate nodules here. Prostate cancer testing vs. colonoscopy A prostate exam and a colonoscopy are both ways of examining the rectum, but for different purposes. A colonoscopy does not check for prostate cancer. The two tests also involve different procedures, as outlined in the table below: Prostate exam Colonoscopy Aim to detect changes in the prostate gland that could indicate prostate cancer to detect polyps and other changes in the colon that could indicate colon cancer What it involves in a DRE, the doctor uses a gloved finger to feel for changes; they may also carry out a PSA blood test the doctor inserts a colonoscope, a thin tube with a lighted camera, to take images from inside the large intestine Who needs it? males aged 40–70 years , depending on their level of risk depending on risk factors, males and females aged 45–75 years and possibly beyond; those with a higher risk may start earlier However, when a doctor carries out a colonoscopy, they usually start with a DRE. In patients with a prostate, this is an opportunity for the doctor to check the prostate gland at the same time, according to 2018 research. If a person is due to have a colonoscopy, they may wish to speak with their doctor about checking the prostate gland at the same time.

How do you clear clogged arteries without surgery?

Through angioplasty, our cardiologists are able to treat patients with blocked or clogged coronary arteries quickly without surgery. During the...

Last updated Oct 24, 2021

What foods make estrogen worse?

The foods you need to avoid include: flax seeds, dried fruits, sesame seeds, garlic, peaches, berries, wheat bran, tofu, tempeh, dairy products,...

Last updated Sep 12, 2019

Promotion

medicalnewstoday.com - Prostate exam: How is it done and who should have one?

What keeps a man in a relationship?

Clear communication, respect, and honesty can go a long way in helping them open up and reveal their innermost desires or insecurities. While you...

Last updated Jun 29, 2020

What is it called when a person skin is black and white?

Vitiligo occurs when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) die or stop producing melanin — the pigment that gives your skin, hair and eyes color....

Last updated Dec 17, 2020

Imagine Your Moment Of Freedom!

Fluxactive Complete is conveniently packed with over 14 essential prostate powerhouse herbs, vitamins and grade A nutrients which work synergistically to help you support a healthy prostate faster

Learn More »

Promotion

How do I get my bladder back to normal?

For many people with urinary incontinence, the following self-help tips and lifestyle changes are enough to relieve symptoms. Do daily pelvic floor...

Last updated Apr 25, 2021

Promotion

What hot drinks are anti-inflammatory?

7 Anti-Inflammatory Hot Beverages You'll Want to Cozy up to This Winter Golden Chai Latte. ... Reishi Chocolate Latte. ... Flu-Fighting Tonic. ......

Last updated Jan 29, 2020