by De Ette Stewart

Created on: November 12, 2008   Last Updated: November 21, 2008

Tips for surviving your annual prostate exam:

Abstain from all sexual activity for several days prior to the exam as this can cause your PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test to be elevated. The same goes for a viral infection, such as a cold. If you develop cold symptoms, call and reschedule.

Make sure that the PSA blood test is performed BEFORE the Digital Rectal Exam (DRE), as prostatic manipulation can also elevate the PSA. The blood test is involves a trained lab person drawing one tube of blood from your vein, usually the large vein in your arm. If you have had problems with blood draws in the past, it can help to hydrate well by drinking 20 ounces or so of water the day prior to the test.

After the PSA blood test is drawn, the doctor will meet with you and explain some of the facts about prostate cancer and the testing process. This is a good time to ask any questions you may have. Prostate cancer can be the cause of symptoms such as frequent night time urination, or difficult urination. A benign condition known as BPH can also produce identical symptoms, so don't hesitate to alert your doctor to the presence of any of these problems. He will be able to tell with the DRE and the PSA test exactly what is going on.

The DRE involves the doctor donning gloves and using one finger to gently palpate your prostate from a rectal approach. While this may seem embarassing to some men, its vitally important. Prostate cancer can sometimes present as a nodule, or firm area on the prostate. The prostate gland sits behind your bladder, so the most direct route to it is through the rectum.

The doctor will usually let you know the results of your DRE immediately, but it will take several days for the PSA to be completed. You will probably need a return visit to discuss the results.

The good news is that if caught early, prostate cancer is very treatable and new treatments are being developed ona regular basis.

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