Prostate exams are a key component of men’s health as they help your doctor screen and diagnose prostate abnormalities so you can begin the right treatment as early as possible. The skilled urologists at the Urology Specialist Group in Hialeah and Miami Lakes, Florida, are very experienced at conducting prostate exams and treating prostate conditions. If you’re in the greater Miami or Fort Lauderdale areas of South Florida, schedule an appointment for a prostate exam online or by phone today.
The prostate is a bean-shaped gland that sits below your bladder. All males have a prostate, and it’s an essential part of sexual and reproductive functions. The prostate is in part responsible for the production of semen, which means impaired prostate functions can often result in infertility.
There are two conditions that primarily affect the prostate, an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer:
An enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, is a very common condition that affects most men over the age of 50. Because the size of the prostate gradually increases with age, its normal for the gland to become a bit enlarged. In some cases, however, an enlarged prostate can cause difficulty when urinating.
Prostate cancer is a commonly occurring type of the disease that forms in the prostate gland. Usually slow growing, prostate cancer is highly treatable in the early stages when it hasn’t spread to other areas of the body.
There are several common exams your urologist at Urology Specialist Group may use to evaluate the health of your prostate, including:
This is the most common form of prostate exam. During a DRE, your doctor inserts a lubricated finger into your rectum to check the size of your prostate and for any lumps or abnormalities.
PSA is a protein produced by a properly functioning prostate. By checking the protein levels in your blood, your urologist can determine the health of your prostate.
Also known as a transrectal ultrasound, your urologist performs this test by inserting a probe into your rectum to create digital images of your prostate gland.
A prostate biopsy is usually required to confirm a prostate cancer diagnosis. Your urologist performs this test by taking a sample of the prostate tissue to check for cell abnormalities.
The American Cancer Society recommends that all men over the age of 40 get regular prostate exams. The risk of prostate issues like cancer increases with age. Early detection is the best way to successfully address prostate cancer, so regular screenings are an essential part of preventive men’s health care.
If you’d like to discuss whether a prostate exam is right for you or set up a schedule for regular screenings, call Urology Specialist Group or schedule an appointment online today.
