Many people get anxious about the subject of male prostate exams, and many men are unaware of the importance of this medical procedure. It’s crucial for men to undergo a prostate exam before age 50 to check their health. This test is just as important as a mammogram for women.
Know Why A Male Prostate Exam Is Important
Prostate exams are the easiest and quickest way to monitor prostate health. They can detect diseases that may not show symptoms, but are gradually causing harm to the body. If prostate cells become infected or damaged, cancerous lumps can form and grow. If left untreated, the cancer can spread to other organs and even enter the circulatory system. Early detection of the disease can improve the chances of survival and maintaining a good quality of life.
Prostate exams can also detect other prostate-related issues such as an enlarged prostate (BPH) and prostatitis. BPH is a common condition among older men and can cause urinary problems, while prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate that can cause pain and discomfort. Regular prostate exams can help detect these issues early and provide appropriate treatment.
Prostate exams usually involve a digital rectal exam (DRE) where the doctor will feel the prostate for any abnormalities. In some cases, a blood test called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test may also be performed to check for elevated levels of PSA, which can indicate prostate cancer.
It’s important to note that having an elevated PSA level doesn’t always mean prostate cancer is present. Other factors such as age, recent sexual activity, and prostate infections can also affect PSA levels. A doctor should interpret the results of a PSA test along with the results of a DRE and other factors before making a diagnosis.
Men over 70 are particularly susceptible to prostate cancer and have a high risk of death from the disease. Age, diet, genetics, and ethnicity can all play a role in the development of prostate cancer. A healthy diet and lifestyle can reduce the risk, but the earlier the disease is detected, the better.
To prevent prostate cancer, it’s important to maintain a healthy diet that includes foods rich in vitamin A, vitamin E, and provitamin A. Although it’s believed that the frequency of ejaculations may impact the occurrence of cancer, this theory has not been proven.
The goal of a prostate exam is to identify problems early and provide timely treatment. As the mortality rate from prostate cancer continues to rise, it’s recommended that men get a prostate exam starting at age 35 to ensure good health. Early detection of prostate issues can lead to prompt treatment and improved health outcomes.
