Men often put prostate health on the back burner, but that can be a major health risk. Here’s why you need to schedule your prostate exam today!

1. You’re 45 Years Old

It used to be common knowledge that men should get a screening every year after age 50. However, men can have an increased risk of prostate cancer as early as age 45.

If you have a family history or have other reasons to be at high risk, your doctor may recommend you start yearly prostate exams even earlier.

2. You Have Family History

As stated above, you are at a higher risk of prostate cancer if you have a family history. This is true of prostate cancer as much as it is of breast cancer.

If you are a carrier of BRCA 1 or BRCA 2, you need to be monitored even closer for prostate cancer because your chances of developing it are even higher.

3. You are an African American

Researchers don’t exactly know why, but African American men are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.

One in six African American men will be diagnosed in his lifetime. Also, African American men are almost three times more likely to die of prostate cancer.

This doesn’t mean non-African-American men are in the clear. This just means that if you are African American, know you’re at a higher risk. Your doctor may want to examine you earlier than at age 50.

4. A Prostate Exam Is Five Minutes of Your Day

A prostate exam takes no longer than five seconds of your day. A doctor will ask you to bend at the waist or lay on your side. He or she will gently place a gloved finger inside your rectum and feel your prostate.

After a few moments, it will be done and your doctor will be able to tell you if your prostate is normal-sized or enlarged. Even the busiest person in the world can spare five seconds to get their health in check.

5. It’s Not Painful

The idea of a prostate exam is intimidating to many men. They aren’t sure what kind of pain level to expect.

But the truth of the matter is that it’s merely a slight discomfort. A doctor uses a finger to feel the prostate through the rectal wall. Some men may feel the need to urinate, especially if they have an enlarged prostate.

It may be slightly uncomfortable in the short term, but it is better than the possible long term pain of undetected cancer.

6. Prostate Cancer Is Asymptomatic

This means if you do have prostate cancer, symptoms don’t typically show up until it’s in an advanced stage. Getting an exam catches it before those signs show up.

If the cancer goes unnoticed until symptoms show, it’s harder to treat. And the treatments take a bigger toll on both urinary and sexual functions. Don’t wait until you see those signs. Be proactive about finding out earlier.

7. One in Nine Men Are Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in men. A prostate exam can help doctors catch cancer at an early stage. Prostate cancer is very treatable in its early stages.

8. Urinary Symptoms

Most men don’t see a doctor until there is a problem to address. So, urologists often see men who have issues urinating.

The thing is, urinary issues are almost never a sign of prostate cancer. However, if you are seeing a doctor for urinary problems, he or she will check for an enlarged prostate. They will treat your symptoms, bring you more comfort, and recommend a prostate exam.

A prostate exam is always optional. And even though urinary symptoms may not indicate cancer, it’s a good reason to start talking about other screenings for your health.

9. Abnormal Masses

A prostate exam can help doctors detect any abnormal masses in your rectum and anus. This might be prostate cancer, but it can also be any number of abnormalities.

Your prostate is about the size of a walnut. There are cases when it may become enlarged or inflamed and cause urinary or sexual issues.

Typically, you don’t feel these masses on your own. So having the exam, a doctor can determine if there are any abnormalities and provide treatment.

10. An Alternative Option

Okay, so prostate exams are often the brunt end of a joke. And maybe the reasons above still haven’t convinced you. Then, there is an alternative option.

PSA is short for prostate specific antigen. It is a screening for men over the age of 50 and those who are at risk. This is a blood test that can screen for cancers almost earlier than the typical prostate exam.

If you show other symptoms, such as trouble urinating, a doctor may perform a typical prostate exam even after a PSA to be even more effective.

There are also ongoing studies in the United Kingdom using MRIs as a screening tool. This could be the future of prostate screenings.

Taking Care of Your Health

Prostate exams tend to be put off on the back burner as often as cleaning your gutters. Men may find the conversation uncomfortable and are nervous about potential pain. Most men won’t even ask a doctor unless there is a secondary symptom they are dealing with.

But, prostate exams are an important part of men’s health. They’re quick, painless, and are a proactive way to identify bigger issues.

Contact us today about any concerns you may have about scheduling an appointment and check out our blog for more information on the process. The pros will outweigh the cons in almost every situation.