Prostate Health Exams - Protecting Prostate Health
As you begin to get older, many men begin to wonder about their
prostate health. Prostate health is all over the news and media,
and you may even know someone that has been diagnosed with
prostate cancer over the past few years. If you are worried
about your prostate health, or want to find out ways to help
protect it, you have come to the right place. We will go over
what this important gland does, and discuss the different
options that you have in protecting your prostate health.
First, you must understand what the prostate actually is. It is
a sexual gland, about the size of a walnut that is located
around the base of the bladder and urethra. It essentially, hugs
the tube that carries urine out of your body. This partially
muscular, partially glandular organ produces a slightly alkaline
substance that is present in semen.
It is important to understand that there are many problems with
prostate health that aren't life threatening. So if you feel
that you may have a problem with your prostate, usually shown by
a difficulty to urinate, it is important that you seek medical
advice. Prostate disease is a condition that can vary from
individual to individual. Some simply have an infection that can
be treated with medication; others have an inflammation of the
prostate tissue, while others simply have an enlargement of the
prostate gland. While all of these many indicate cancer at a
latter point, they don't necessarily mean cancer right off the
bat.
Getting a diagnosis is the first step to improving your prostate
health. Your doctor may perform one or more of the following
tests to access the situation. Most of them are painless or may
only be uncomfortable. Discuss your options with your doctor if
you have a low threshold for pain.
* DRE (digital rectal examination). The physician will fell the
prostate manually to look for enlargements and problems.
* PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing. Your doctor will do a
simple blood test to determine your level of PSA. Small amounts
are normal, but large amounts could indicate a problem.
* TRUS (transrectal ultrasound). This test uses wave echoes to
create an image of the prostate.
* Cystoscopy- where the doctor looks through the urethra with a
thin, lighted tube.
* Biopsy- a small tissue sample is collected from the area and
studied.
The key to preserving your prostate health is go get proper
treatment early on. Many men are ashamed to seek treatment,
which can ultimately lead to further complications. Prostate
disease and cancer are easily treated as long as you get
diagnosed early on. At the first sign of pain or discomfort
contact your doctor immediately. Men over the age of 50 should
get their prostate checked out at least once a year. Find a
doctor that you are comfortable with, and make sure to ask
questions. Many patients choose to do research online before
they visit a doctor, which will help you ask the right questions
during your visit.