What Happens During A Dre
The DRE will take place in a private exam room at your doctors office. The test only takes a few minutes. You will need to take off any clothes below your waist. You will be given a gown to wear or a cloth to wrap around your body.
For men. The doctor will ask you to stand and bend forward at the waist or they will ask you to lie on your side on an exam table with knees pulled up to your chest. As they start the DRE, the doctor may ask you to relax and take a deep breath. Then they will gently insert a lubricated, gloved finger into your rectum. The doctor will feel the size of your prostate gland. They will also feel for bumps, soft or hard spots, or other abnormal areas. The doctor will also examine the wall of your lower colon and rectum.
For women. The doctor will usually ask you to lie on your back on an exam table. Your feet will be in raised stirrups. The doctor may ask you to relax and take a deep breath as they start the DRE. Then they will gently insert a lubricated, gloved finger into your rectum. The goal is to feel your reproductive organs and the bowel. The doctor may also feel for problems in your internal organs. They do this by pressing on your lower abdomen or pelvic area with their other hand.
A DRE usually does not hurt, but you may be uncomfortable. You may also feel the need to urinate. If a mans prostate is enlarged, there may be some discomfort or mild pain during the exam.
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Are There Natural Treatments That Boost Prostate Health
In some cases medical treatments may be necessary, but there are also natural ingredients that can be used to support prostate health and reduce symptoms. ProstateMD® is a physician-formulated and clinically effective combination of bioavailable plant sterols, essential antioxidants, and vital minerals that have been shown to improve prostate, bladder, and urinary tract health.
Saw palmetto: Saw palmetto extract has been studied for its effectiveness in reducing the rate of prostate cell growth. We use USPlus® saw palmetto, which is the highest quality saw palmetto oil available on the market. Containing ten times the amount of lutein and thirty times the zeaxanthin of typical saw palmetto extracts, your prostate gets antioxidant protection and the best natural support for prostate enlargement.
Pygeum: This herbal extract from the bark of the African cherry tree supports healthy prostate cell function and helps reduce symptoms such as painful urination and urination frequency.
Pumpkin seed oil: Pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil interfere with enzyme activity to promote healthy prostate cell growth. Pumpkin seeds are also rich in zinc, which is an essential mineral for prostate health.
Stinging nettle:Stinging nettle leaves contain many antioxidant compounds that protect the prostate and urinary tract. These leaves also support urinary tract health through increased production of nitric oxide, which is needed for urination muscles to relax.
Other Factors That Influence Psa Levels
The PSA blood test alone cannot diagnose prostate cancer. It is possible, although rare, to have prostate cancer without raised PSA levels in the blood. A higher-than-normal PSA level doesnt automatically indicate prostate cancer either. A high PSA level is due to cancer in around one in three cases.
PSA levels can be raised by other factors, including:
- , also known as benign prostatic enlargement .
For this reason, the PSA blood test isnt used in isolation when checking for prostate cancer.
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Choosing To Stop Treatment Or Choosing No Treatment At All
For some people, when treatments have been tried and are no longer controlling the cancer, it could be time to weigh the benefits and risks of continuing to try new treatments. Whether or not you continue treatment, there are still things you can do to help maintain or improve your quality of life.
Some people, especially if the cancer is advanced, might not want to be treated at all. There are many reasons you might decide not to get cancer treatment, but its important to talk to your doctors and you make that decision. Remember that even if you choose not to treat the cancer, you can still get supportive care to help with pain or other symptoms.
Further Testing For Advanced Cancer
If thereâs a significant chance the cancer has spread from your prostate to other parts of the body, further tests may be recommended.
These include:
- an MRI scan, CT scan or PET scan these scans build a detailed picture of the inside of your body
- an isotope bone scan, which can tell if the cancer has spread to your bones a small amount of radiation dye is injected into the vein and then collects in parts of the bone where there are any abnormalities
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Living With Prostate Cancer
As prostate cancer usually progresses very slowly, you can live for decades without symptoms or needing treatment.
Nevertheless, it can affect your life. As well as the possible side effects of treatment, a diagnosis of prostate cancer can understandably make you feel anxious or depressed.
You may find it beneficial to talk about the condition with your family, friends, a GP and other people with prostate cancer.
Financial support is also available if prostate cancer reduces your ability to work.
Gp Examination And Tests
A GP will ask about your symptoms and concerns, and their impact on your quality of life.
You may be asked to complete a chart that records how much liquid you usually drink, how much urine you pass, how often you have to pee on a daily basis and whether you have any leakage.
The GP may do a physical examination. They may examine your stomach and genital area.
They may also feel your prostate gland through the wall of your bottom . This is called a rectal examination.
The GP may order a blood test to check that your kidneys are working properly.
They may advise you to have a prostate-specific antigen blood test to rule out prostate cancer.
You may be offered a urine test, for example to check for sugar or blood in your pee. This is to see if you have diabetes or an infection.
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Referral To A Urologist
The GP may refer you to a urologist or other appropriate specialist if:
- previous treatments have not helped your urinary problems
- a urinary infection does not go away or comes back regularly
- you cannot fully empty your bladder
- you have kidney problems
- you have stress incontinence, which is when urine leaks out at times when your bladder is under pressure for example, when you cough or laugh
You should also see a specialist if the GP is concerned that your symptoms could be caused by cancer, although for most men this is not the cause.
To help find out what might be causing your symptoms and decide how to manage them, you should be offered extra tests to measure:
- how fast your urine flows
- how much urine is left in your bladder after you have peed
You may also be offered other tests, depending on your symptoms or the treatment you and your doctor are considering.
Page last reviewed: 10 February 2020 Next review due: 10 February 2023
Are You Seeing Prostate Cancer Becoming More Prevalent In Younger Patients
Its pretty rare. Its less common that men in their 40s have prostate cancer, but, we also are very rarely screening them. The young men who come in to be screened tend to have one of those high-risk features. They most likely had a father who had prostate cancer, so theyre nervous about it. Or theyre African-American, and theyve been flagged by their health care providers.
If youre young, your quality of life is even more important to you right now. We know that, if diagnosed with low-grade prostate cancer, a person will need treatment at some time in life. If we can delay treatmentwhich could negatively impact urinary or sexual functionby several years, then we should do that and obviously discuss that there is a low but possible chance of metastasis developing during that time.
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What Kind Of Test Is Done For Enlarged Prostate
Another test measures postvoid residual, the amount of urine left in the bladder when urination stops. A weak urine stream and urinary retention may be signs of urine blockage caused by an enlarged prostate that is squeezing the urethra. Some urodynamic tests are performed in a health care providers office without anesthesia.
What tests check the health of your prostate?
- the PSA level often goes above 4.
- Men with a PSA level between 4 and 10 have about a 1 in 4 chance of having prostate cancer.
- the chance of having prostate cancer is over 50%.
How do you treat an infected prostate?
A recurring prostate infection is usually treated with antibiotics. Also known as chronic bacterial prostatitis, this infection is caused by bacteria in the prostate gland.
Can prostate infection be detected with an urine test?
A doctor may need to perform a blood test to diagnose the infection. To diagnose a prostate infection, a doctor may: perform a physical examination, including a digital rectal exam analyze a urine sample for signs of an infection The doctor may also order one or more of the following:
What should I expect from prostate screening?
But what should you expect from prostate cancer screening? Digital Rectal Exam . The primary method used in a prostate cancer screening is the digital rectal exam . During this test, a doctor or qualified nurse will glide a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to check the size of the prostate, while also screening for any abnormalities.
What Can I Do To Improve Prostate Health
The prostate may enlarge naturally with age, but there are things you can do to slow growth and reduce the risk of symptoms. Without medications and surgery, you can make lifestyle changes that support prostate health.
Healthy eating: Adopt a healthful, low-fat diet with plenty of fiber. Fiber promotes healthy bowel movements that reduce pressure on the prostate. Focus on getting plenty of fruits and vegetables, limiting red meat, and avoiding high-sugar and processed foods. Reduce the amount of alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods you consume.
Routine: Limit the amount of liquid you consume before sleep and long journeys. Be sure to empty your bladder frequently, and avoid holding your urine for long periods of time. Some patients with an overactive bladder may benefit from supervised bladder training, thus increasing their bladder capacities and lowering urination frequency.
Exercise: Stay active and exercise regularly. This will help promote weight loss and promote healthy circulation to the prostate. You can also learn exercises that work to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
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What Are The Complications Of An Enlarged Prostate
Left untreated, complications of an enlarged prostate can include:
Urinary retention: This sudden inability to urinate can result in the need for a tube to be inserted into your bladder to drain the urine. In some cases, men with an enlarged prostate may need surgery to relieve urinary retention.
Infections: The inability to fully empty the bladder can increase the risk of bacterial infection along your urinary tract. Should this happen frequently, surgery may be required to remove part of the prostate to reduce the obstruction.
Bladder stones: An inability to completely empty the bladder can contribute to the formation of bladder stones, which can cause bladder irritation, blood in the urine, and obstruction of urine flow.
Bladder damage: A bladder that hasn’t emptied completely can stretch, and over time can weaken significantly. When the bladder wall muscles can no longer contract properly, it becomes more difficult to empty your bladder.
Kidney problems: Increased pressure in the bladder from urinary retention can directly damage the kidneys or allow bacteria to reach the kidneys, causing infection.
Do Prostate Problems Cause Other Problems
Yes, a prostate problem may cause other problems, such as
- problems having sex
- feeling stressed due to chronic pain
- inflammation in areas near your prostate
Which problem you may get depends on the type of prostate problem you have. Other problems may vary from man to man for each type of prostate problem.
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> > > All Natural Technique Fixes Enlarged Prostate Watch Here< <
Surgical procedures to remove the diseased prostate are usually necessary. Surgical procedures are not always necessary. If the disease is caused by bacterial infections, a doctor can treat the symptoms using alpha-blockers or surgery. Physical therapy, relaxation exercises, and warm baths are all recommended. A physician may also prescribe antibiotics to cure the infection. A bacterial infection can also cause a recurrence of the condition.
An enlarged prostate can be uncomfortable for both men and women. Some of the symptoms of an enlarged male reproductive organ include a weakened urine stream, urgent need to urinate, and urinary tract infections. BPH can also cause damage to the kidneys. A sudden inability to urinate can be life-threatening, as it can lead to bladder and kidney damage. Unfortunately, most men with enlarged prostrates put up with the symptoms for years before they seek treatment. However, many of the men with symptoms finally decide to go to a doctor for proper gynecological evaluation and to begin enlarged prostatic therapy.
When To See A Urologist About Enlarged Prostate
The signs and symptoms of an enlarged prostate become more evident as a man ages. An enlargement of the prostate can signal Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia a noncancerous, but bothersome condition that affects more than half of men in their 50s and up to 90% of men in their 70s and 80s.1,2 However, the severity of these symptoms does not necessarily correlate with the severity of the enlargement of the prostate. In fact, many men who have serious enlargement of the prostate may only have mild symptoms and vice versa. That means that it is advisable for men who experience urinary symptoms to see their urologist early.
Additional Links
Attention to these problems may help avoid serious interference in their lifestyle, such as the often embarrassing urgency and frequency of urination. A proactive physician visit may also allow for early diagnosis or even prevention of a more serious prostatic condition. LUTS can be a sign of prostatitis or even prostate cancer. Most men experiencing urinary symptoms or over the age of 50 will benefit from regular prostate exams.
Visiting a urologist at the earliest stages of enlargement has the following benefits:
1 National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Prostate enlargement: benign prostatic hyperplasia. NIH Publication No. 07-3012. June 2006.
2 Carter HB. Prostate Disorders: The Johns Hopkins White Papers. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins Medicine 2013:1-25.
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Who Should Get A Digital Rectal Exam
Not all medical institutions agree on when men should begin screening for prostate cancer or even if a DRE should be part of the screening.
To help detect prostate cancer in its early stages, the American Cancer Society recommends that men talk to their doctors about the benefits, risks, and limitations of prostate cancer screening before deciding whether to be tested.
For most men at average risk, discussions about screening begin at age 50. However, some doctors recommend that men at higher risk of prostate cancer African-American men or men with a family history of prostate cancer start screening earlier.
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What Do The Results Mean
PSA levels may be above the baseline for various reasons other than prostate cancer.
Other that can raise PSA levels include:
- an enlarged prostate â because of benign prostatic hyperplasia , for example
- prostatitis, which is inflammation and swelling of the prostate
Also, people with obesity may have lower PSA readings.
In addition, some medications may reduce PSA levels, including:
- 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, which can help treat BPH
- aspirin, which some people take regularly as a blood thinner
- statins, which help manage cholesterol levels
- thiazide diuretics, a kind of water pill that can help reduce high blood pressure
Some herbal medicines and supplements can also lower PSA levels. Tell the doctor about any medications and supplements before undergoing the test.
High PSA levels alone do not indicate cancer. However, if a DRE also reveals changes, a doctor may recommend a biopsy for a more accurate result.
The PCA3 is another test for prostate cancer that doctors use in some circumstances. Find out more.
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This Kinda Gives New Meaning To The Doctor Is In
How are prostate exams performed? A doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum to reach the prostate. Yup, you heard that right. A doctor sticks their finger up your butt. What do doctors feel for during a prostate exam? To check the walnut-sized gland, aka the prostate, for abnormal lumps or hard areas and screen for early signs of prostate cancer. This is a necessary medical procedure for guys at about age 50, usually done in addition to a PSA test, with 1 in 9 Canadian men developing prostate cancer during their lifetime.
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What Tests Do Health Care Professionals Use To Diagnose Prostate Cancer
The diagnosis of prostate cancer ultimately is based on the pathologists review of tissue removed at the time of the prostate biopsy. An abnormal PSA and/or abnormal digital rectal examination often are present and are the indications for the prostate biopsy.
Digital rectal examination : As part of a physical examination, your doctor inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into your rectum and feels toward the front of your body. The prostate gland is a walnut or larger-sized gland immediately in front of the rectum, and beneath your bladder. The back portion of the prostate gland can be felt in this manner. Findings on this exam are compared to notes about the patients prior digital rectal examinations.
The exam is usually brief, and most find it uncomfortable due to the pressure used to adequately examine the prostate gland. Findings such as abnormal size, lumps, or nodules may indicate prostate cancer.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network notes that a DRE should not be used as a stand-alone test for the detection of prostate cancer but should be performed in men with an elevated PSA. The NCCN also notes that DRE may be considered as a baseline test in all patients, as it may help identify high-grade cancers associated with a normal PSA.
If the PSA level is elevated or has increased significantly over time, further testing may be needed to rule out prostate cancer.
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