PROSTATE

Prostate Q & A

What is a prostate exam?

A prostate exam is a screening test that your doctor performs to check your prostate for signs of prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and other prostate conditions. The prostate continues to grow throughout a man's life. As they get older, they become more vulnerable to the effects of an enlarged prostate. Therefore, doctors normally begin giving men prostate exams around age 40.

With a prostate exam, your doctor will insert a gloved finger into your rectum to palpate the back wall of your prostate and check for growths. Your doctor will also check for swelling, which can be indicative of BPH and other irregularities.

Men often worry about this, but the exam normally only takes a moment and is a quick and painless process. Dr. Seskin may also want to perform other tests, such as a blood test or ultrasound. And if he finds anything of concern, be may request a biopsy.

What is benign prostatic hyperplasia?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is the enlarging of the prostate. This can put excess pressure on your urethra. As men get older, it becomes more likely that they will suffer from BPH, which causes symptoms, such as:

Frequent and urgent need to urinate
Frequent urination at night
Difficulty beginning to urinate
A weak urine stream that stops and starts
Inability to empty your bladder

You may notice that you have a hard time going to the bathroom without straining. You may also be more susceptible to urinary tract infections. In some cases, you may notice blood in your urine.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia can be managed with medication for many men, but Dr. Seskin also offers a procedure that can give lasting relief with minimal downtime. Dr. Seskin offers the UroLift® procedure, which is a minimally invasive treatment that can be performed in under 10 minutes in the office. This procedure uses small implants to hold back the prostate from the urethra to relieve pressure. It is the only treatment for BPH that requires no cutting or heating.

What if I have prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in men, especially once they reach middle age. Prostate cancer usually grows slowly, and it is often confined to the prostate in its early stages. If left untreated, it can metastasize. So it’s important to get regular prostate exams to catch it early.

You may notice symptoms, such as trouble urinating, pain in your pelvic region, or erectile dysfunction, but many people have no noticeable symptoms. Treatment for prostate cancer will depend on your situation, but cancer that is confined to your prostate may be treated with a surgery called a prostatectomy. While many people prefer to avoid surgery, a prostatectomy — which involves removing the prostate and some of the surrounding tissues and nodes — can be the best way to prevent the cancer’s return.

To get a prostate exam or learn more about treating your prostate, book an appointment over the phone with Seskin Urology.

Call and schedule a visit

305.792.6905