Prostate Exam

A prostate check involves visiting your doctor for evaluation of the prostate gland.

The prostate gland is crucial for men’s health and can sometimes develop issues. As men age, it may enlarge, and there is a potential risk of prostate cancer.

The purpose of prostate checks is to evaluate if a man exhibits any symptoms, taking into account risk factors like family history, and ascertain whether additional investigations or regular check-ups are required.

The GPs at Healthcare on Collins are available for prostate checks.

When performing a prostate check, there are several tests to consider, based on the individual presentation of the patient.

In all cases, your GP will discuss the advantages and limitations of each method and always seek consent to proceed.

If there are concerns with either of the prior tests, an MRI can be considered.

One outcome of the MRI may be to lower the need for unnecessary prostate biopsies, which is the standard method in terms of diagnosing prostate cancer.

The frequency of prostate checks varies depending on the individual, and there isn’t a blanket schedule recommended by Healthcare on Collins.

Variables such as symptoms, previous tests, and risk factors like family history and ethnic background, which can increase the risk of prostate cancer, should be considered.

For young men who have concerns about their prostate or believe they may be experiencing symptoms, Healthcare on Collins advises consulting with a GP. However, the time between checks is likely to be relatively long, as age is the primary factor influencing prostate disease development.

Healthcare on Collins encourages readers to contact a doctor at any time for any reason.

The compassionate General Practitioners at Healthcare on Collins will provide patients with guidance throughout the process of prostate examinations, including explaining outcomes and recommending appropriate treatments when necessary.

This may involve:

 

• Negative result: In this case, no immediate action is necessary. GPs provide guidance to patients on monitoring symptoms and advise them on when to consider another check in the future.
• Intermediate PSA levels: If your GP observe intermediate PSA levels, they may recommend repeating the test within three months. This allows assessment of whether the PSA levels have changed due to lifestyle factors or temporary influences, or if there is a genuine elevation.
• Diagnosis of prostate issues: When there is a notable suspicion of prostate-related problems, your GP may arrange a referral to a urologist for a more in-depth assessment, including possible additional tests. Furthermore, in certain situations, an enlarged prostate diagnosis could be ascertained, prompting conversations about lifestyle adjustments and potential medication options.