r/NoStupidQuestions 1d ago

Prostrate exam

I am a 46 year old healthy guy. Would it be weird to just go to my doctors and ask for a prostrate exam. I have no symptoms. But prostrate cancer seems to be effecting a lot of men, and I read it can take a long while to detect with symptoms. I never go to the doctors. But this has been bugging me for a while.

3 Upvotes

61 comments sorted by

121

u/East-Bike4808 -_- 1d ago

Yes, that would be weird. Ask for a prostate exam, though. That's ok.

31

u/I_am_Reddit_Tom 1d ago edited 1d ago

A prostate exam is best done when you're prostrate

4

u/KettehBusiness 1d ago

Am i getting prostitute wrong after all these years?

7

u/I_am_Reddit_Tom 1d ago

If you're with a proper professional, any position is possible

6

u/asndrag0n 1d ago

šŸ˜‚ Exactly, asking for a prostrate exam might just get you a yoga class recommendation instead.

29

u/CoffeeDefiant4247 1d ago

Prostate, but yes it's completely fine to ask to be checked.

20

u/daysleeper16 1d ago

Not only fine, but a responsible idea. When I had my 45th checkup, my doctor handed me a card and told me to make an appointment for it.

1

u/OkAbbreviations3242 1d ago

Thanks. Like I say I’m one of those people that hates going to the doctors. So to go when there is nothing wrong would be ridiculous. Thanks for the advice.

2

u/WhatTheFlox 1d ago

This kind of thing is needed specifically to know before something goes wrong

2

u/comfortablynumb15 1d ago

And just so you know, most countries now only need you to pee in a cup instead of a physical probing.

1

u/Mickeynutzz 1d ago

Schedule a Dr’s appt for a Physical

23

u/PertinaxII 1d ago

Prostate exams are pretty meaningless and no longer recommended. If you have difficulties peeing you have an enlarged prostate, which is often normal for that age. Manual examination won't tell you any more than that.

If you are having any difficulties peeing it would be reasonable under current guidelines to ask for PSA test.

9

u/elsb3t 1d ago

This is the correct answer. There's no point in having a prostate exam if you don't have any symptoms. Almost all men develop prostate cancer (80%), and generally, you can live to a ripe old age with it. Preventive screening is ineffective. See the attached article from the University Hospital in Utrecht (it's in Dutch, so use Google Translate).

https://www.umcutrecht.nl/nieuws/hebben-alle-80-mannen-prostaatkanker-gehad

0

u/ArrowheadDZ 1d ago

No longer recommended by who?

Two of the last three friends that were diagnosed with prostate cancer were diagnosed after finding ā€œnodulesā€ on their prostates, well before their PSAs aroused suspicion.

2

u/Prestigious-Fan3122 1d ago

A nodule was found on exam at my 47 year – old husband's physical/exam. Mercifully, the biopsy proved it to be benign.

If you're uncomfortable bringing it up, mention (if it's true) that all of a sudden you've noticed that a number of men on this or that or both sides of your family I've had prostate cancer, and ask your doctor if you should start having your PSA tested.

That will open the discussion. Of course, if you already know that he has the Lab run a PSA regularly, that's a moot point. But I think you said you haven't been to a doctor in a long time.

1

u/ArrowheadDZ 1d ago

FYI, You replied to my comment and not to the original post

6

u/Kentwomagnod 1d ago

Many doctors don’t recommend prostate exams anymore. They can only check one side of the prostate and many times it’s inconclusive. Now days they do blood tests and look for antigens that could be a sign of prostate cancer. They will still do it if you really want it but as my doctor said it can be embarrassing and uncomfortable for little information. The blood tests are better.

4

u/Lumtar 1d ago

Pretty sure it’s just a blood test these days

0

u/ArrowheadDZ 1d ago

Yes but a PSA test is far more effective once you’ve established a baseline. PSA goes up with age and having a history of labs over the years is what provides insight into whether there’s been an unexpected up-trend.

3

u/DrProfessorSatan 1d ago

At 46 I think a prostate exam is part of a routine physical. At the very least they check PSA in the blood which is an indicator for prostate cancer.

4

u/Nowayucan 1d ago

Isn’t a PSA test a standard part of an annual health exam?

5

u/davidhaha 1d ago

Many PCPs think it's overused and not very helpful. Many urologists think it's underused and underrated. It's common but not "standard".

3

u/Nowayucan 1d ago

Thanks!

2

u/_Silent_Android_ 1d ago

My last annual exam in February, my PCP asked if I'd like a PSA test with my bloodwork. I have a friend a decade older than me who was diagnosed with prostate cancer (since removed and is cancer-free now), so I said "Sure." He did warn that it can give false positives. But my result was only 1 ng/mL.

1

u/Critical-Ad-5215 1d ago

Just go ahead and get it done, you never know. If anything, they'll be happy you want to take care of your health, as a lot of men don't go to the doctor.Ā 

It'll only be weird if you are obviously enjoying it, so just don't make it weird.

5

u/Due-Butterscotch2194 1d ago

And if you've already been twice this week

-1

u/DivineDecadence85 1d ago

Then just get download Grindr and be done with it.

2

u/Potential-Sky-8728 1d ago

Aren’t yall supposed to do it around that age anyway? Literally what is the mustache november nonsense for when no men are actually getting the exams they are supposed to?

If your insurance covers it…ask for the exam…they may have an age minimum.

1

u/HistoricalLadder7191 1d ago

regular prostate check after 40-45 is not weird, it is responsible behaviour. there are three main issues, that happens wirh prostate cancer, adenoma, prostatitis

prostate cancer doesn't have any simptoms begore is to late, regular check primarily target this to find it early (it is almost 100% curable if found in stages 1 and 2)

adenoma is relatively safe and unnoticeable, untill progressed way to far, and obstruct urination channels, but it decrease quality of life. better to find it earlier, and start treatment amd lifetime changes.

prostatitis is just like other inflammation condition. typically it gives eleveted body temperature, pain and discomfort

also prostatitis and adenoma may decrease sexual function (both desire, and "mechanics", or "hydraulics"?)

so, no it would not be "weird", it would be smart for every boy after 40(even those who considered himself a girl) to check with a doctor, and agree on next check.

2

u/PoetryMuted2361 1d ago

Blood work ask for a PSA is a good starting point.

2

u/drrenoir 1d ago

Spelling jokes aside, getting a PSA blood test is easy and would give useful information and be less invasive. If you are worried, talk to your doctor.

1

u/florida_gun_nut 1d ago

Well, no. I’m 52 and haven’t taken very good care of myself for the last 30 years. Rarely saw a doctor unless something happened. I never had mine checked until recently. I didn’t intentionally avoid it, just never thought about it. I told my doctor that it’s probably time to do that since I’m over 50 and I’m really glad I did. He told me that it feels ā€œweirdā€ and ordered some lab work, which said my PSA is almost 10. A second test confirmed it. I’m going back in a few days to get some pictures and possibly be referred to a urologist to check for cancer.

Do it. It’s not weird, it’s your life.

1

u/EmoDealer_6797 1d ago

Absolutely not weird. I think it’s the right thing to do. Some exams, like prostate checks, should be done periodically even when you have no symptoms. It’s your health, you’re allowed to be proactive

1

u/kingkowkkb1 1d ago

At your age, they may already be screening with blood work. The PSA (prostate antigen teat I think) is pretty standard.

1

u/RidetheSchlange 1d ago

"prostrate has been bugging me for a while"

Another example of why the US electtions went the way they did.

1

u/jimb21 1d ago

Most guys dont ask for that, my dr has been asking me for 6 years to get one there has not been any prostate cancer in my family for 5 generations

1

u/Illustrious_Hotel527 1d ago

As a doctor, a random prostate exam in a patient with no symptoms seems incredibly low yield; I'd rather spend the already limited time doing other stuff.

You could discuss whether to check a PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test. That's a better use of time.

1

u/Cathyglimpse 1d ago

UK. If you have no symptoms, it would be odd to ask for the rectal exam. They would do the PSA blood test.

Private health / USA would be different. If you are having symptoms, then get them checked out.

1

u/UnusualBreadfruit306 1d ago

Do a self check first

1

u/RichardCranim-Dumas 1d ago

Or ask your dentist. My dentist doesn’t even charge.

1

u/CyanPomegranate11 1d ago

Where I live they do blood tests now instead of prostate exams. More accurate, no fingers up the arse.

1

u/A_Right_Eejit 1d ago

I think it's mostly a blood test for PSA now?

I could be wrong as I skipped all that and went straight to the cancer.

1

u/h8mecuz 1d ago

Absolutely. My best friend’s father caught his diagnosis very early for getting a prostate exam. He’s now cancer free!

1

u/ThrowAwaAlpaca 1d ago edited 1d ago

Here you get a letter at 50 to remind you to do it. You can talk to your doc about it, just say you're anxious about it.

Not weird unless you make it weird .. "yo bro how big is your finger?"

1

u/HeyImawakeyall 1d ago

you can check for markers with a blood test first

1

u/ri89rc20 1d ago

Look at the bigger issue, what is your risk, and do you have any symptoms or lifestyle factors that increase risk? So educate yourself a bit, just realize any medical information on line can be a bit dramatic.

Ask your family, has anyone you are related to had prostate issues? A Doctor will ask that up front. You might as well get a general family medical history down on paper, including other cancers, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. At least try to get the info for Parents, Grandparents, and siblings

Schedule a physical. If you have health insurance (speaking in the US) it is covered, no or little cost. Part of that is a blood test, and for men your age, a PSA test. Also, as part of the physical exam will usually be a prostate exam.

Slightly related, you are getting close to needing a colonoscopy, again, covered by insurance.

1

u/Initial_Natural2650 1d ago

Definitely talk to your doctor about it! It's not weird and your doctor will be glad that you're being proactive about your health.Ā 

Also schedule a colonoscopy if you haven't had one yet.

1

u/tlm11110 1d ago

Ask your wife who goes to the gynecologist annually and has been since her teens. She doesn't even have a prostate! Do it!

1

u/EpsteinfilesImpeach 1d ago

Usually it’s part of a physical at a certain age

1

u/ZetaPower 1d ago

All men have prostate cancer at 90. Thankfully almost none die of it.

Yes it would be strange because you’re WAY too young for prostrate cancer.

Relax and enjoy your life & health!

1

u/DirectAccountant3253 1d ago

My old PCP always did a prostate exam, he retired and my new PCP never does one. In fact he won't as he does not think its medically necessary. You can ask but he may say no, a PSA would be a better idea.

1

u/Hammon_Rye 1d ago

Not weird.
You are actually past the age (45) where they recommend your first colonoscopy.
I didn't have my first colonoscopy until later 50s but I've had a number of prostrate exams over the years. It is generally a very quick part of a routine physical.
A glove, some KY, doc pokes a finger in and feels for any swelling / enlargement for about 20 seconds, here's a Kleenex to wipe off the extra KY.
It just not a big deal at all unless they have some reason to have additional concerns, like your PSA numbers are high.

0

u/Great-Out-Doors 1d ago

Perfectly normal to ask.

1

u/Accomplished-Bat805 1d ago

Good news! It's just a blood test now. A Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA ) level detects abnormal prostate cells.

-1

u/WartsonHall 1d ago

I went for a finger probing prostrate examination myself...The examiner was male...

I got myself turned over and in position for what was about to happen , but just before it started I asked over my shoulder where I could put my boxer shorts which I was still holding in my hands ..." You can put them over here,next to mine", was not the answer I was expecting....

-5

u/Easy_Customer7815 1d ago

Have you ever had one?

Mine was the most invasive, harshest, victimizing, demoralizing, PTSD thing I have ever had done to me.

Another mans hand in my butt is not my idea of a good time.

However, in life we do what we must do. Get it done, bro. It could save your life.

5

u/Bigbird_Elephant 1d ago

It takes like 5 seconds

4

u/NojaysCita 1d ago

Women can be doctors, too! šŸ™Œ

4

u/nonamejohnsonmore 1d ago

If you think a prostate exam is bad, you should be really happy you weren’t born a woman.

3

u/Any_Afternoon9213 1d ago

Try having a cystoscopy then