Get a Prostate Exam
To maintain good health, it's important that every man undergoes a prostate exam. These exams check for any size and shape changes in the prostate. Any changes in the prostate can be indicative of a medical condition, including prostate cancer or an infection.
Instructions
1. Ask the doctor to explain the procedure. On occasion, men feel anxiety about a prostate exam. Knowing exactly what will take place can relieve some of your fears.
2. Follow the doctor's directions. He is likely to have you stand up and turn away from him. He will put on a pair of gloves and lubricate the finger that is to be used in the exam.
3. Bend forward. Before the physician inserts the finger into your rectum, he is going to tell you to lay the top half of your body across the examination bed.
4. Expect to feel slight discomfort. It is mostly a small amount of pressure that you experience without any pain. The doctor takes his finger and puts it inside your rectum to feel the prostate. His finger only remains inside of you for a few seconds.
5. Clean up afterwards. The doctor will give you a tissue or wipe. He'll discuss the results and let you know if he found anything that requires further testing. If the prostate exam results are abnormal, an ultrasound may be ordered by your physician.
Tags: changes prostate, prostate exam, your rectum
