How to check the prostate

Video: What it’s like to go for a rectal screening for prostate cancer

Content

Steps
Method 1 of 2: Indications for examining the prostate gland
Method 2 of 2: Checking the Prostate
Warnings
What do you need

The digital rectal examination (DRE) is one of the main methods used by a doctor to examine the prostate. During this procedure, the doctor inserts the index finger into the patient's rectum to look for pathologies.Pathologies include any evidence of cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlargement of the prostate), prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate due to infection). Doctors do not recommend self-examination of the prostate gland. However, in order to check the prostate gland yourself, you need to know what technique doctors use.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Indications for examining the prostate gland

1 Older men need to have their prostate checked regularly. Men over the age of 50 are advised to have a prostate exam annually. However, there are risk factors for which it is necessary to examine the prostate from an earlier age and more often. These include:
- Men over 40 who have more than one case of prostate cancer in their first line of relationship (father, brother, son) before the age of 65.
- Men over 45 who have one case of prostate cancer in their first growth line before age 65.
- Black men over 45 years old.
2 Be alert to your genitourinary symptoms. Symptoms associated with the bladder, urethra, and penis may indicate prostate problems. Due to the proximity of the prostate to these organs, the function of the latter can be disrupted. The following symptoms indicate prostate disease:
- Slow and weak urine flow
- Difficulty urinating
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Blood in urine
- Weak erection (impaired potency)
- Painful ejaculation
- Backache
3 Make an appointment with your doctor. Consult your doctor, especially if you experience the symptoms described above. In addition to the DRE, the doctor may order other tests to determine the condition of the prostate.
4 Get tested for prostate-specific antigen (PSA). If there is a suspicion of a prostate gland disease, the doctor may give a referral for a prostate-specific antigen test. In most laboratories, the PSA norm is 4 ng / ml and below.
- PSA can be false positive and false negative. It is recommended to investigate PSA in the presence of risk factors.
- Ejaculation, prostate infection, DRE, and cycling can cause PSA to rise. The PSA test should be repeated two days later in the absence of symptoms and a positive PSA test result.
- In the presence of symptoms, a two-fold positive PSA result, it is necessary to take a biopsy of the prostate gland. During a biopsy, a sample of prostate tissue is taken using a fine needle.
- If the PSA level is below 4ng / ml, but above 2.5 ng / ml, it will be necessary to repeat the analysis after a year. If the PSA level is below 2.5 ng / ml, the test must be repeated after two years.

Method 2 of 2: Checking the Prostate

1 See your doctor for a prostate examination. It may seem that the research is easy, but it is necessary to know very well the research technique.
- Complications during manipulation are possible: for example, bleeding due to a puncture of the cyst. This can provoke the development of an infection, so it is better to carry out this manipulation with a doctor.
- In addition, if you find any pathology, the doctor will definitely repeat the study.
2 Correct position. During the study, the doctor will ask you to take a certain position: lying on your side with bent knees or standing, leaning forward. This position will make it easier for the doctor to examine the prostate and rectum.
3 Examination of the skin for pathologies. This requires the means at hand, or you can ask your spouse or partner for help. Examine the skin around the anus for cysts, warts, or hemorrhoids.
4 Put on a sterile glove. For rectal examination, you must wear a sterile latex glove. It is advisable to wash your hands before putting on gloves. Only the index finger is used in the study.
- Make sure your nails are cut short before doing the test.Even through a glove, you can accidentally injure the intestinal mucosa or puncture a cyst.
5 Lubricate your finger with lubricant. A lubricant such as petroleum jelly will make it easier and less uncomfortable for the finger to enter the rectum. Lightly lubricate your index finger.
6 Examine the walls of the rectum. Use your index finger to examine the walls of your rectum. In a circular motion, try to detect irregularities, lumps, which may indicate cancer, tumors, or a cyst of the rectum. Normally, the intestinal walls are smooth, of the same consistency.
- Press very gently on the intestinal wall.
7 Examine the anterior intestinal wall. The prostate is located in front and up of the rectum. Disease of the prostate is evidenced by the presence of irregularities, seals, tuberosities, enlargements and (or) painful areas.
8 Remove your finger from your rectum. Doctors do this test in ten seconds, so you don't waste too much time on the test to avoid discomfort. Dispose of gloves and wash your hands after examination.
9 Consult your doctor. If you find any abnormalities, consult your doctor for a professional opinion. Tell your doctor that you did the test yourself to avoid false positive PSA test results.

Warnings

Remember that normal PSA and DRE results cannot be 100% cancer-free.
Trim your fingernails first.
Doctors and various organizations have not yet come to a consensus on the reliability and order of screening procedures. Tell your doctor about your family history, age, and symptoms to help you make an informed decision.