Prostate Examination
As the rate of problems associated with prostate are increasing, at certain point, all the men will be asked to have a prostate examination as a part of general routine examinations. Doctors encourage men over the age of 50 to get a prostate examination done every year. African-Americans and men with a family history of prostate should consult a urologist annually for prostate examinations.
After taking the history of symptoms and understanding the symptoms related to urinary problems, the next step the physician will take for the diagnosis of prostate problem is prostate examination.
Procedure of prostate examination: As the prostate lies in front of the rectum, it can be felt through anal opening that leads to rectum. The urologist can not see or feel the prostate externally, it is examined by digital rectal examination. The doctor examines the prostate by putting his finger inside the man's rectum to feel the texture, enlargements and extra growths on the gland. The physician asks the man to stand with his legs a little apart, then bend forwards with arms and elbows on the examination table. A sterilized surgical glove is worn by doctor and lubricant is put on the finger to make easy entry through anus into the rectum.
Prostate Examination
The physician pushes his finger for prostate examination in the downward direction. A little pressure can be felt by the patient but there won't be any discomfort. The doctor moves finger in all directions in the circular motion in order to feel the normal position of lobes and sections of the gland. The physician looks for the length (normal 2-4cm.) and shape of the prostate(triangular). After feeling and finding out the prostate condition, the doctor provides napkin to clean the lubricant and any other discharge from the prostate.
Prostate examination, by digital rectal examination (DRE) method is also done to detect any physical change in the normal anatomy of the prostate.
If the results of a prostate examination is diagnosed as a serious condition, other tests like prostate specific-antigen (PSA) is recommended by the urologist.