How is prostate exam performed

A gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in the gastrointestinal GI tract. An oncologist is a doctor who treats cancer. You do not need to do anything special to prepare for a DRE. But there are a few things to keep in mind. Tell your health care team if you have hemorrhoids or anal fissures. The DRE may make them worse. If you are concerned about the cost of your DRE, find out from your insurance provider what costs they will cover beforehand.

Ask how much of the cost you will have to pay out of pocket. You will be asked to sign a consent form before your DRE. The form will state that you understand the benefits and risks of the DRE and agree to have the test. Your doctor or nurse will explain the test before you sign the form, and you can ask questions. The DRE will take place in a private exam room at your doctor's office. The test only takes a few minutes. You will need to take off any clothes below your waist.

You will be given a gown to wear or a cloth to wrap around your body. For men. The doctor will ask you to stand and bend forward at the waist or they will ask you to lie on your side on an exam table with knees pulled up to your chest. As they start the DRE, the doctor may ask you to relax and take a deep breath.

Then they will gently insert a lubricated, gloved finger into your rectum. The doctor will feel the size of your prostate gland. They will also feel for bumps, soft or hard spots, or other abnormal areas. The doctor will also examine the wall of your lower colon and rectum. The exam will be easier if you breathe normally and try to relax. Before having a PSA test, tell your doctor about any medications and supplements you take.

Recent ejaculation can also affect your PSA levels. Ask your doctor if you should abstain from sexual activity before the test. Your doctor will let you know when they have the results. In addition to looking at the amount of PSA in your blood, your doctor will assess how quickly this number is changing.

Many things can affect PSA, so test results require careful analysis by an expert. Your doctor will take all of your health information into account. About 25 percent of men who have a biopsy due to a high PSA level have prostate cancer. If they find anything that concerns them during the DRE, your doctor will discuss it with you then.

An enlarged prostate is fairly common, especially as you age. An abnormal PSA result may require further study. Your doctor may want to repeat the test.

If they suspect you have prostate cancer, they may recommend other diagnostic tests. For example, a transrectal ultrasound uses sound waves to provide images of your prostate. For this test, your doctor inserts a small probe into the rectum. The test takes about 10 minutes. A biopsy can also help confirm or rule out cancer. For a biopsy, a doctor uses a needle to remove several pieces of tissue from your prostate.

They may use a transrectal ultrasound to guide the needle to the right position. The tissue samples are examined under a microscope for signs of cancer. The biopsy takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You may have some tenderness and minor bleeding after the procedure. A prostate screening can help your doctor find prostate cancer early.

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Learn more, including the genes it includes and what genetic testing may…. Learn more here. How is a prostate exam done? Medically reviewed by Kevin Martinez, M. What is a prostate exam? Outlook Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer among adult males in the United States, after skin cancer. Share on Pinterest A doctor can advise on the main methods of screening for prostate cancer. Digital rectal examination DRE.

PSA test. Who needs a test? Share on Pinterest Men over 50 years of age should consider regular screenings. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. A change in diet may reduce risk of lethal prostate cancer New research identifies three metabolites that are strongly associated with the development of aggressive prostate cancer.

What to know about cryotherapy for prostate cancer. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. How to shrink the prostate naturally Several natural remedies may help shrink an enlarged prostate and promote overall prostate health. What to know about genetic testing for prostate cancer What is genetic testing for prostate cancer, and who is it suitable for? Can women get prostate cancer?