The exam that all men dread

The thought of going for a prostate exam can drive most men to tears. Well, almost. Dropping their pants and bending over does not fill them with joy and excitement, unless they are that way inclined… The reality is that all men must go for this exam, especially if they have reached that certain age where their “engines” need to be “serviced” on a yearly basis.

The prostate gland is a walnut-sized organ tucked away where the sun doesn’t really shine, and it needs often medical attention, but doesn’t always get it. Many men avoid the examination on the basis that the entrance to this organ is their exit, if you know what I’m saying. There are several complications involved with the gland including inflammation or enlargement, and the biggest danger is prostate cancer. This type of cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in men, especially the more mature men. Many celebrities, including Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Robert De Niro, James Brown and Roger Moore have suffered from and survived the disease, while others who left it too late, among them Pablo Neruda, Telly “Kojak” Savalas, Frank Zappa and Johnny Ramone, succumbed to it.

What to expect

There are different methods of assessing prostate health, but the most common is known as DRE – digital rectal exam. “Digital” doesn’t refer to fancy equipment in this instance, but the doctor’s digits, or fingers. He or she uses their index finger to check the size, symmetry, lumps, firmness and texture of the gland. The patient stands feet apart, bent over, elbows on a table or examination desk, or lying down with your knees bent toward your chest. The doctor wears a rubber glove with some lubrication on it and then, after telling you, they will insert their finger into your rectum. The examination will not hurt, but there will be some slight discomfort, while they move their finger in a circular motion to feel the prostate. After the examination they will wipe your buttocks, and the whole procedure will take about a minute or less.

Come prepared

Avoid awkwardness and discomfort by preparing yourself for the examination. It is recommended that you have a bowel movement to relieve pressure and have a shower beforehand, let your doctor know if you have haemorrhoids, relax before and during the procedure and take a deep breath as soon as everything starts.

DIY…

You can do a self-exam on your prostate although it is not recommended as you might not know what to look for and it could be a bit difficult to reach. Should you decide to do so anyway, please clip your fingernails…

If you are not to keen to go for the DRE, you could also undergo a blood test which measures the levels of prostate specific antigen – produced by the prostate – in your blood. Elevated levels may indicate prostate infection, enlargement or cancer. A urine test will check for the presence of blood, infection or abnormal cells in your urine. A urine flow rate test may indicate a slow rate of urination which may be linked to prostate cancer. During a transrectal ultrasound, a probe that resembles a small microphone is inserted into the rectum. It emits high-frequency sound waves and listens to the returning echo to create a picture or sonogram of the prostrate. If any of the tests suggest that you may have prostate cancer, your doctor is likely to recommend a prostate biopsy, during which a sample of prostate tissue is examined under a microscope. It’s is the only method that can give definite confirmation of prostate cancer.

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