It is a relatively small gland about the size of a golf ball located under the urinary bladder and wrapped around the urethra.
Since the prostate is below the bladder and directly in front of the rectum, physicians are able to feel the prostate by performing a rectal exam.
It feels soft, like play dough, and is smooth throughout the gland with no nodules or lumps.
Well, then we have to pursue the matter further and order further tests?
Again, the initial step is the rectal exam which lets the physician determine the condition of your prostate. If there is some abnormality noted from the rectal exam, a blood test can be ordered to determine the status of your prostate.
Not necessarily, but you may have some urinary symptoms that might be indicative of prostate enlargement. If you are experiencing urinary retention (not feeling like you voided all your urine out), urinary frequency, urinary hesitancy, and urinary dribbling, mention these symptoms to our physicians. These symptoms may be related to your prostate?
There are differing views in the screening process, but most physicians do agree on some kind of intervention. The common practice in our office is to have an annual rectal exam and PSA level (blood test to monitor the prostate activity) check after the age of 50. If you are an African American decent or have a family history of Prostate cancer, then these preventative measures begin in your 40’s.