An anxious or worried feeling about your prostate exam is normal, but it doesn’t have to be.
At Family Urology Associates, we know that many men stress about prostate exams, and Dr. Mohammed Haseebuddin (Dr. Haseeb) wants to help you feel more at ease. Our empathetic team of men’s health specialists are experts who provide customized prostate care for every man’s individual needs.
Here’s why you shouldn’t fret about it: Prostate exams are quick, routine, a lot easier than you may think.
The prostate is a tiny gland that plays a crucial role in male reproductive health. It can also affect urinary function. As men age, the prostate can change in ways that could lead to common conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), inflammation, or prostate cancer.
A prostate exam helps detect these changes early, often before symptoms become serious. Early detection of prostate issues gives you more treatment options and better long-term outcomes.
The American Cancer Society encourages men to start discussing prostate cancer screening with their urologist as early as age 40. In many cases, this screening process includes a prostate exam.
A prostate evaluation starts with a frank conversation with Dr. Haseeb. He asks about urinary habits and symptoms, for example, changes in how often you urinate, the volume of urination, and whether you experience any discomfort.
Medical history and risk factors, including family history, are also crucial parts of the discussion. Based on these factors, Dr. Haseeb recommends the best prostate screening approach.
In some cases, testing such as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test may be the first step. After that, many men may need to undergo a digital rectal exam (DRE).
The specific approach varies based on your age, symptoms, and overall health.
The DRE is a brief exam in which your doctor’s gloved finger gently feels within your rectum for any notable changes in tissue texture, shape, or size. The exam only takes seconds, and most men don’t experience any pain.
It’s not unusual to feel a slightly odd sensation, with pressure, but overall the majority of men who have prostate exams are surprised at how easy and straightforward the process is. Not every men’s health checkup at Family Urology Associates requires a prostate exam.
For many men, prostate screening discussions begin around age 40-50, based on individual circumstances. Dr. Haseeb takes time to review your medical history and risk factors fully at each checkup and can recommend the best time to start screening.
You should also consider scheduling a prostate screening if you notice symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty starting or maintaining a steady stream, waking up often at night to urinate, or blood in your urine. These issues could be connected to prostate problems, but they’re often treatable if caught and managed early.
It’s important to remember that prostate exams are a routine part of care for urologists. Dr. Haseeb and our team handle these visits with the utmost professionalism, respect, and complete confidentiality. Our goal is to keep you healthy and address concerns early, not to cause discomfort or embarrassment.
We emphasize clear communication and make sure you feel informed and comfortable every step of the way.
Schedule an appointment online or call 301-606-0551 to speak with our friendly staff.
