Reasons Why You Should Know Better About Annual Prostate Exams
Your prostate is a tiny gland (think of a walnut) that’s located near your bladder. Its main function is to help produce the seminal fluid. When this gland becomes inflamed or enlarged, it can result in men’s urinary incontinence. Annual prostate exams can help your doctor check the condition of your prostate and also diagnose prostate cancer.
If you hate the idea of going for the annual prostate exams, consider this: prostate cancer is the second most common cancer found in American men. And a prostate exam is one of the only ways to catch it early.
During the exam, your doctor will perform two tests – one to test your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and another is a digital rectal exam (DRE). If you are experiencing accidental urine leakage or urinary incontinence, your doctor will want to perform a prostate exam. It’s done to check whether you have an enlarged prostate.
Many family doctors suggest it as a part of a routine checkup so you can stay on top of your health.
Getting a Prostate Exam After Turning 50 is Important
Once you turn 50, it’s vital to discuss the screening for prostate cancer with your physician. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), you should have this conversation when you turn 45 or earlier if you are at a higher risk.
You are considered at an increased risk for prostate cancer if you:
- Have a first-degree family member who was diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 65
- Are African-American
About 31,620 men died from prostate cancer in 2019. The numbers may seem discouraging but the good news is, doctors can treat it before it spreads. All you need to do is get your prostate checked out every year once you turn 45 or 50.
Discuss your risk factors with your physician, whether you have a leaky bladder or not. Depending on your case, they will let you know if you need to have a prostate exam on an annual basis.
What Happens During the Exam?
The prostate exam is very straightforward. You will bend over the exam table, placing your elbows on the table. Once your doctor puts on the lubricated gloves, they will insert their index finger into your rectum. They will palpitate your prostate from side-to-side and check if there are any lumps, bumps, hard spots, or nodules. Then they will be able to estimate how big your prostate gland is (normal or enlarged).
The whole process takes 3 to 5 seconds and you will only feel mild discomfort. Keep in mind that feeling uncomfortable for five seconds can potentially save you a lot of lasting pain and suffering.
Finally…
Men usually only go to the doctor when they hurt themselves or they are experiencing a major lifestyle issue like urinary infection or erectile dysfunction. In other words, men are not great at seeking healthcare solutions on their own.
This is why many cases of prostate cancer go undiagnosed until it is too late. Also, most prostate cancer patients don’t show any symptoms or signs, until the disease is in a highly advanced stage. A screening or exam is the only way to catch cancer early on.
If you are suffering from accidental urine leakage, consider using a men’s urinary incontinence product that is comfortable and non-invasive (unlike diapers and catheters).
Get a Prostate Check and Get Men’s Liberty
If you’re sick of relying on leaky diapers, unreliable pads, and uncomfortable catheters, you’re not alone. Thousands of men have already made the switch to the long-trusted line of male urinary incontinence products from Men’s Liberty. To order now, call us at 888-412-9329 or visit us online.