Prostate Basics
The prostate is a gland that forms part of the male reproductive system. It is firm, about the size of a walnut, and produces part of the ejaculate. Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer for men, so doctors commonly check the prostate gland as part of a medical workup. From the age of 50 (40 or 45 for members of high-risk groups), men receive prostate exams as part of annual medical checkups.
Prostate Exams
The prostate is an internal organ, located beneath the lower wall of the rectum, adjacent to the bladder. To check the prostate, a doctor will don a latex glove and cover one finger with a lubricant, such as petroleum jelly. He will then insert the finger into the patient's rectum and curl the tip down to feel the prostate. If he feels unusual bumps or hard areas, it may signify the onset of prostate cancer. The doctor can then run other tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Signs
Prostate cancer has a number of symptoms that can also help the patient and doctor catch prostate cancer as early as possible. If you have any irregularities in your urination, such as difficulty starting, a decreased stream, unusual dribbling after you stop peeing, or frequent urination, you should get checked out as soon as possible. Blood or pus in the urine or semen, pain when you urinate or ejaculate, and hip, lower-back or pelvic pain are also symptoms. Don't assume your prostate is all right if you don't have symptoms. Prostate cancer often only shows symptoms in later stage, so it is important to go for regular medical checkups with prostate exams.
Tags: Prostate cancer, check prostate, medical checkups, prostate cancer, prostate gland
