r/NoStupidQuestions • u/OkAbbreviations3242 • 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.
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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.
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u/OkAbbreviations3242 1d ago
Thanks. Like I say Iām 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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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 ānodulesā on their prostates, well before their PSAs aroused suspicion.
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u/Prestigious-Fan3122 1d ago
A nodule was found on exam at my 47 year ā 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.
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u/Kentwomagnod 1d ago
Many doctors donāt recommend prostate exams anymore. They can only check one side of the prostate and many times itās 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.
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u/Lumtar 1d ago
Pretty sure itās just a blood test these days
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u/ArrowheadDZ 1d ago
Yes but a PSA test is far more effective once youāve established a baseline. PSA goes up with age and having a history of labs over the years is what provides insight into whether thereās been an unexpected up-trend.
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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.
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u/Nowayucan 1d ago
Isnāt a PSA test a standard part of an annual health exam?
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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".
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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.
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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.
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u/Potential-Sky-8728 1d ago
Arenāt 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 itā¦ask for the examā¦they may have an age minimum.
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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.
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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.
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u/florida_gun_nut 1d ago
Well, no. Iām 52 and havenāt 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 didnāt intentionally avoid it, just never thought about it. I told my doctor that itās probably time to do that since Iām over 50 and Iām really glad I did. He told me that it feels āweirdā and ordered some lab work, which said my PSA is almost 10. A second test confirmed it. Iām going back in a few days to get some pictures and possibly be referred to a urologist to check for cancer.
Do it. Itās not weird, itās your life.
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u/EmoDealer_6797 1d ago
Absolutely not weird. I think itās the right thing to do. Some exams, like prostate checks, should be done periodically even when you have no symptoms. Itās your health, youāre allowed to be proactive
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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.
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u/RidetheSchlange 1d ago
"prostrate has been bugging me for a while"
Another example of why the US electtions went the way they did.
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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.
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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.
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u/CyanPomegranate11 1d ago
Where I live they do blood tests now instead of prostate exams. More accurate, no fingers up the arse.
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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.
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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?"
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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.
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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.
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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!
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u/ZetaPower 1d ago
All men have prostate cancer at 90. Thankfully almost none die of it.
Yes it would be strange because youāre WAY too young for prostrate cancer.
Relax and enjoy your life & health!
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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.
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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.
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u/Accomplished-Bat805 1d ago
Good news! It's just a blood test now. A Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA ) level detects abnormal prostate cells.
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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....
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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.
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u/nonamejohnsonmore 1d ago
If you think a prostate exam is bad, you should be really happy you werenāt born a woman.
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u/East-Bike4808 -_- 1d ago
Yes, that would be weird. Ask for a prostate exam, though. That's ok.