Prostate Restored
Photo by Karolina Grabowska Pexels Logo Photo: Karolina Grabowska

How do you check your own prostate?

Besides an at-home PSA blood test, there is no easy way to test yourself for prostate cancer at home. It's recommended to see a physician for a digital rectal exam, as they have experience feeling prostates for lumps or enlarged prostate.

Why do girls drink cranberry juice so much?
Why do girls drink cranberry juice so much?

These sour fruits are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, and their juice is often said to offer a variety of benefits for women, in...

Read More »
How long do overweight males live?
How long do overweight males live?

The Oxford University research found that moderate obesity, which is now common, reduces life expectancy by about 3 years, and that severe obesity,...

Read More »

As healthcare moves more into the digital and telehealth space, and less healthcare done in offices, it’s natural to want to perform tests at home to avoid missing any big red flags. While monthly breast exams are promoted, what should men do to screen themselves for prostate cancer? Can you check for prostate cancer at home?

First, what is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is cancer that occurs in the prostate — a small walnut-shaped gland in men. This is the gland that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. Thankfully some prostate cancers are slow growing, without causing serious harm. However, others are aggressive, so for both scenarios, identifying the cancer earlier is key.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

Not everyone with prostate cancer has symptoms, so regular screening should be a part of your annual physical, starting at the age of 40-50. However, prostate symptoms should never be ignored and should be brought up to a physician. Typical symptoms of prostate cancer, according to the Prostate Conditions Education Council (PCEC), include:

Frequent urination (especially at night)

Weak urinary stream

Inability to urinate

Interruption of urinary stream

Pain or burning during urination

Blood in the urine or ejaculate

Bone pain in the hips, ribs or back

Back pain

‍How do I screen for prostate cancer?

There are two main early stage screening methods; a digital rectal exam (part of your annual physical), and a blood test measuring PSA levels. PSA screening is regarded as the best method to screen for prostate cancer in men over 40 or those of a certain risk factor. While men might be intimidated by a DRE, it’s a quick and safe screening technique used by a physician, and should cause no significant pain. A Digital Rectal Exam is a simple, painless and quick procedure. A physician inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum and feels the prostate to identify if the prostate is enlarged, has lumps or is an abnormal texture compared to a healthy example. An example of a Digital Rectal Exam - Only a qualified physician should administer a DRE Although this procedure is a very clear indicator of prostate health, the entire prostate can’t be examined during a DRE. This is why physicians will also take into account PSA blood work, health history, and other risk factors. Overall, it’s often difficult to detect prostate cancer early, it’s mostly found through PSA testing - so PSA screenings should be done regularly, starting at the age of 40-50.

What is the biggest barrier to marriage intimacy?
What is the biggest barrier to marriage intimacy?

Neglect is a major reason couples struggle to maintain intimacy. Time and energy are taken away from the relationship because of work, hobbies,...

Read More »
What fruit burns the most belly fat?
What fruit burns the most belly fat?

Here are some fruits that are known to cut belly fat: Apple. Fresh and crunchy apples are packed with healthy flavonoids and fibres that may help...

Read More »

Can I check for prostate cancer at home?

It is strongly advised under any circumstances not to self-examine for prostate cancer at home either by yourself or with a partner. Not only does it take a skilled professional to assess how the prostate feels to make an accurate determination of overall prostate health, self-examinations have the potential to cause injury. “Since the prostate is an internal gland, it’s extremely important that only licensed medical professionals conduct the exam. At-home self-exams should not be administered in order to avoid injury or self-harm. Regular screening is important for prostate cancer, as the disease often does not present symptoms until it is too late. Talk to your doctor about making sure you receive a regular DRE check-up at each visit.” Shelby Moneer Vice President of Patient Programs and Education, ZERO While actually screening yourself for prostate cancer at home is ill advised, you can still monitor your risk factors for prostate cancer between yearly check-ups, like practicing a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

Checking for PSA at home

It’s best to look for prostate symptoms and then screen using a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test. While there is no physical way for you to check for prostate cancer at home, there are at-home screening options for PSA. imaware™ at-home test for PSA can help screen you for prostate issues.

Conclusion

Besides an at-home PSA blood test, there is no easy way to test yourself for prostate cancer at home. It’s recommended to see a physician for a digital rectal exam, as they have experience feeling prostates for lumps or enlarged prostate. However, at home, you can be vigilant about maintaining a good prostate-healthy diet, monitoring and recording any symptoms, and calling your physician early if you detect any changes to your urinary or genital health.

What is normal blood pressure by age?
What is normal blood pressure by age?

A normal blood pressure level is less than 120/80 mmHg. ... Frequently Asked Questions. Age Men Women 18-39 years 119/70 mm Hg 110/68 mm Hg 40-59...

Read More »
Does olive oil burn belly fat?
Does olive oil burn belly fat?

Olive Oil For Weight Loss: How To Make A Belly-Fat Burning Drink Using Olive Oil. Mix a tablespoon of olive oil and a teaspoon of lemon juice in a...

Read More »
Can you live without a prostate?
Can you live without a prostate?

The answer is yes it is possible to have the prostate removed. Life without a prostate can be close to normal for some, though not free from the...

Read More »
Imagine Your Moment Of Freedom!
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 »
Is it OK to pee every one hour?
Is it OK to pee every one hour?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the average person should urinate somewhere between between six and eight times in a 24-hour period. While an...

Read More »