Regular prostate exams are important for men’s health, especially as they age. The exam is simple and painless, and doctors recommend it every few years for men in their twenties and thirties, and annually for those over 45. Neglecting the exam can lead to serious health problems, including prostate cancer.
A prostate exam is a common exam that is used to check the current condition of the prostate. As men age, the need to monitor prostate health becomes more of a necessity. Unfortunately, many men neglect the task of having regular prostate exams. Often, this is due to a misunderstanding of the mechanics of the exam, as well as a lack of information about prostate cancer and what the disease can do if left unchecked.
Prostate exams don’t require much other than a visit to your GP or urologist. The exam takes place in the doctor’s office and involves nothing more than a lubricant and a rubber glove. The doctor puts on the glove, lubricates the index finger and inserts the finger into the anus. The prostate can be easily examined through the thin walls of the rectum, allowing the doctor to check for growths, textures, and any other abnormalities. Typically, the exam takes only a moment or two and is relatively painless.
Although the risk of prostate cancer is relatively low before the age of forty, many doctors recommend a prostate exam every few years for men in their twenties and thirties. Attendance may increase to annual or biennial exams if there is a history of prostate cancer or related problems in immediate family, such as a sibling, father or grandfather. Additionally, African American men are thought to have a higher risk of developing prostate problems. The presence of risk factors such as heredity or race often prompts doctors to recommend more frequent testing for individual patients.
After the age of forty, many doctors recommend an annual prostate exam as part of the annual checkup. Some medical associations recommend an annual exam after age 45, assuming there are no extenuating circumstances. However, almost all reputable medical sources agree that after the age of 45 all men should have an annual exam.
Failure to get a prostate exam on a regular basis can lead to serious health problems. In the event that prostate cancer develops and is not diagnosed in the early stages, it is possible to experience a decrease in urinary function, including a negative impact on sexual desire and performance. In the worst case, prostate cancer can spread to other parts of the body and lead to death. Taking a few moments each year to have a prostate exam can go a long way in maintaining a comfortable level of health and living, and also allow any problems to be corrected before there is a chance of permanent damage.
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