Urologists handle different treatments of medical conditions that affect the male urinary tract and reproductive organs. Although every patient is different, there is a common reason why men go to the urologist: to get their prostate examined. The reason being is that prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, so it’s recommended that men over 50 should start seeing a urologist about their prostate. When you get your prostate checked, this is what you can expect.
Medical History and Physical exam
Your urologist in NYC will ask you questions about your health, such as if you’ve noticed any symptoms, which includes urinary and sexual problems. If you do have these symptoms, he will ask you how long you’ve had them. Additionally, he will ask you about risk factors, such as family history, age, race/ethnicity, and other health conditions.
Digital Rectal Exam
After the initial exam, the urologist may suggest a digital rectal exam. This exam examines the lower rectum, pelvis, and lower belly. During this exam, the urologist will check for any bumps or hard areas on the prostate that might be cancer.
PSA Blood Test
The PSA is a protein that is produced by both cancerous and noncancerous tissue in the prostate. The PSA blood test works by measuring the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. The test will then detect high levels of PSA, which could indicate the presence of prostate cancer.
Since prostate cancer is so common, it’s important that men over 50 start getting tested for it. If you have any questions about the exams, ask your urologist in NYC.
