The older a man gets, the more he should take advantage of preventive medicine, especially when it comes to prostate exams. With age comes a wide variety of potential health problems, and for men, the prostate is a particularly vulnerable area. Nevertheless, it can be a sensitive subject, so it’s understandable if you have some questions or reservations before going to a doctor. 

What Risk Factors & Issues Do Prostate Exams Monitor? 

The prostate gland is responsible for creating semen. It’s situated before the rectum and beneath the bladder. As a man ages, the prostate is prone to becoming infected by bacteria or swelling and pushing on the bladder, making it difficult to urinate or forcing you to do so quickly or more often. You may also dribble right afterward. Symptoms such as these will be investigated by the doctor.

Primarily, however, the prostate exam checks for signs of prostate cancer. This type of cancer progresses gradually and doesn’t exhibit many noticeable signs at first, so preventive medicine is vital for catching it before it’s difficult to treat.

What Are the DRE & PSA Exams? 

With the digital rectal exam, the doctor observes the prostate by inserting a gloved finger into the rectum. From there, they check whether they can feel any lumps, hard spots, or unusual growths that could indicate infections, swelling, or tumors.

The prostate-specific antigen test involves drawing blood to measure your antigen levels. Since these are supposed to fight prostate infections, a high count could signify trouble. The blood sample must be sent to a lab, so it takes longer than a DRE, but some may find it preferable. 

Both are effective types of preventive medicine. If either test suggests abnormalities, the doctor may recommend an MRI, biopsy, or transrectal ultrasound to check for problems. 

When Should Men Get Prostate Exams? 

Men who are most at risk of prostate problems are those over 40 with more than one close relative (such as a brother or father) who was diagnosed with prostate cancer before turning 55 years old. Men who are 45 years old and have only one first-degree relative with prostate cancer should also be examined.

Otherwise, most men can wait until they’re 50 years old. After the first test, most men will need to receive a prostate exam once a year until they’re 70. 

For attentive and compassionate preventive medicine, trust Walton Family Medicine PC in Monroe, GA. Specializing in family medicine, they fuse the best of large hospital medical practices with the warm, friendly atmosphere of a small doctor’s office. They understand that needs can change over time and from one person to the next, which is why they personalize every treatment, prostate exam, and general checkup. Urgent care and emergency doctors are also available at a moment’s notice. Find out more about their services by calling (770) 267-7093 or checking out their website.