What Are the Essential Prostate Exams? Which Are Optional?

Prostate health is an important component of male health. For prostate examination, certain items are necessary, while others are optional. This article aims to provide a detailed introduction to these examinations to help men better understand their health needs.

Necessary prostate examination

1. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) detection: This is an important indicator for detecting prostate health status, mainly used for early screening of prostate cancer. PSA is a protein produced by prostate cells, and its elevated levels in the blood may indicate prostate cancer or other prostate problems. Regular PSA testing can help detect prostate cancer early and improve the success rate of treatment.

2. Digital rectal examination (DRE): This is a simple physical examination method, in which doctors examine the texture, size, hardness, presence of obvious lumps, tenderness, and other conditions of the prostate through the rectal wall. This can provide a rough understanding of the appearance of the prostate. This type of examination helps to detect prostate abnormalities, such as lumps or nodules, which may be signs of prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia.

3. Urine examination: mainly includes urine flow examination, urine analysis, and culture. Prostate problems may lead to difficulty urinating. Urinary flow examination can evaluate urinary function and help diagnose prostate diseases such as benign prostatic hyperplasia. Urine analysis and culture can help determine the presence of urethral infections or prostatitis. Although it has little diagnostic value for prostate cancer, it is crucial for the diagnosis of prostatitis.

4.Ultrasound examination of the prostate: Ultrasound examination is relatively convenient and non-invasive, which can make detailed measurements of the size of the prostate and also provide a preliminary understanding of certain internal lesions of the prostate, such as nodules, calcifications, cysts, etc.

The main purpose of prostate examination is to early identify prostate cancer and other prostate diseases. Due to the lack of obvious symptoms in the early stages of prostate cancer, regular examinations are particularly important. For older men or men with a family history of prostate cancer, regular prostate examinations are more necessary.

Optional prostate examination

1. Prostate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): For the diagnosis of prostate cancer, MRI can provide more detailed prostate images. Although this is a non-invasive examination, not everyone needs to perform it due to cost and accessibility issues.

2. Prostate biopsy: If PSA levels are abnormal or a suspicious mass is detected during DRE examination, doctors may recommend prostate biopsy. This is a more direct examination method that confirms the presence of cancer by obtaining prostate tissue samples.

Although some prostate tests may cause discomfort, compared to potential health risks, these discomforts are worth bearing. Through these examinations, doctors can promptly identify problems and develop corresponding treatment plans, thereby improving survival rates and quality of life.

If prostate inflammation has already been diagnosed, it is recommended that patients receive timely treatment. For prostate inflammation caused by bacteria, antibiotic treatment is necessary, and painkillers may also be used under the guidance of a doctor. Doctors may also prescribe medications to soften stools and relax bladder muscles to aid in bowel movements and urination. For chronic prostate inflammation, patients can choose traditional Chinese medicine Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill to eliminate inflammation and causes. Surgery is rarely used in the treatment of prostate inflammation.

In summary, prostate examination is crucial for maintaining male health. Understanding which examinations are necessary and which are optional can help men better develop their own health checkup plans. For any questions or concerns, it is recommended to consult professional medical personnel for personalized advice and guidance.