the reason we do a prostate exam is obviously to feel for any irregularities any nodules any areas of firmness anything that doesn’t make sense. at the same time we’re doing that we’re also looking for any rectal wall abnormalities because that can be an early warning sign for cancer and we’re also for blood because that can be an early warning sign for a colon cancer higher up. so what the doctor does is they take a gloved finger puts on some lubricating jelly and just gently slip the finger in just past the anus. they feel the prostate they feel the top side the middle it takes just a second or two to feel around make sure there are no irregularities and remove. it’s definitely not fun for the doctor but it’s an essential part of the exam. on the receiving end it’s not fun either. it’s uncomfortable it lasts a few seconds but it’s a life saver. it’s unfortunate when we see men who’ve not had exams and are diagnosed with advanced prostate or rectal cancers that would have been picked up they could have lived a normal life. so yes it’s momentarily uncomfortable for many men it’s embarrassing but it’s a life or death issue.
how is a prostate exam done?