As a man ages, he should begin paying more attention to his prostate health and how it impacts the rest of his body. Many know that one of the most important parts of monitoring prostate health is to get screened and examined frequently. One reason that someone needs to get continuously checked is the risk of prostate cancer. As an experienced urologist in Miami, Dr. Gheiler and Happy Urology are happy to tell you everything that you need to know about your prostate health. At what age do you get a prostate exam? Continue reading below to learn more. 

When Do You Need a Prostate Exam? 

At what age do you get a prostate exam, and why should you? Many professionals recommend that anyone with an average risk of prostate cancer get screened when they reach 50. This should be done with a digital rectal exam and PSA blood-level exam. You should also get a prostate exam if you are experiencing any prostate problems or symptoms. These can include the following: 

• Frequent urge to urinate
• Need to get up frequently at night to urinate
• Blood in urine
• Painful ejaculation
• Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back

Our experienced urologist in Miami recommends that you get an exam as soon as you notice one or a collection of these. When it comes to prostate health, it is important to act proactively. Not doing so can be extremely detrimental to your health. Getting a prostate exam is even more important should you have a family history of prostate issues or cancer or if you eat a high-fat diet. 

As previously mentioned, it is recommended that men with an average risk of prostate cancer start being screened when they reach 50. Additionally, those at higher risk of prostate cancer are African-American men and other men with a father, brother, or son previously diagnosed with prostate cancer. Men in any of these groups are advised to start screening at 40 years old since they are in a higher-risk group. If preferred, prostate exams can be performed simultaneously with colonoscopies.

How Often Should a Man Get a Prostate Exam? 

Once a man in a high-risk category (prone to prostate issues) gets checked, he should continue regular screenings every three to five years. During a prostate exam, doctors check for lumps or abnormalities in the prostate. The two types of exams used are digital rectal exams and prostate-specific antigen tests. 

Do Prostate Exams Hurt? 

Prostate exams are not usually known for being painful, but they are uncomfortable. The good news is that the discomfort only lasts a few seconds, as the exam is usually quick. In a prostate exam, a physician inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for lumps or abnormalities. 

More About Happy Urology

At what age do you get a prostate exam? Our practice recommends that you get one if you feel any symptoms or if you are within a certain high-risk group. Happy Urology is a Miami men’s health clinic that is dedicated to making sure that our patients receive the care that they need. Aside from a prostate exam, our doctors can assist you with a Miami vasectomy, a Fort Lauderdale vasectomy, or a Florida Penuma implant. Contact us today to discover what makes us one of the best urologists in South Florida.