Prostate Specific Antigen Test
A blood test called a prostate specific antigen test measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a substance made by the prostate. The levels of PSA in the blood can be higher in men who have prostate cancer. The PSA level may also be elevated in other conditions that affect the prostate.
As a rule, the higher the PSA level in the blood, the more likely a prostate problem is present. But many factors, such as age and race, can affect PSA levels. Some prostate glands make more PSA than others.
PSA levels also can be affected by
- Certain medical procedures.
Get The Tools To Reduce Your Prostate Cancer Risk
Be active in everyday life
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day.
Be a healthy weight
As the amount of fat in the body increases, so does your chance of cancer.
Have a healthy diet
Eat fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and pulses.
Limit foods high in sugar, salt and fat. Avoid processed meat and limit red meat.
Get checked out
If you are over 50, you should see your doctor every year for a check-up.
If you have a family history of prostate cancer you should have regular check-ups from the age of 40.
A check-up should include the following tests:
What Happens During Your Gp Appointment
Your doctor needs to build up a picture of what’s going on. So they will ask you some questions. These include:
- what symptoms you have
- when you get them
- whether anything makes them better or worse
They will ask you about your general health and any other medical conditions you have. They might arrange for you to have some tests.
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What Does A Prostate Orgasm Feel Like
P-spot orgasms are said to feel similar to penile orgasms, only way more intense and felt through the entire body.
There are reports of people having super orgasms, which are a stream of fast, continuous orgasms that cause the body to shudder.
Not everyone ejaculates during a prostate orgasm, but some release a dribble of milky fluid from the urethra.
A little bit of prep can help make the experience a good one whether youre flying solo, or on the giving or receiving end of things.
Signs And Symptoms Of An Enlarged Prostate

An enlarged prostate presses, pinches or causes a blockage in the urethra. The urethra carries urine from the bladder to outside the body. The direct effects of an enlarged prostate are manifested by difficulty in the discharge of urine. These difficulties could be in the form of:
1. Frequent and sudden urges to discharge urine
2. Difficulty starting a urine stream
3. Weak urine stream and
4. Dribbling urine.
If left untreated, the effects of an enlarged prostate can cause the following complications:
1. Acute Urine retention. This is a complete inability to pass urine. Medical attention must be sought immediately if this occurs
2. Urinary tract infections
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Are There Any Risks And Side Effects To Prostate Massages
The anal mucosa and the anus itself are very sensitive,” Hong explains. Although the anus is built to stretch to a certain extent, it doesnt self-lubricate, meaning without proper precautions anal stimulation can cause pain and tearing . This means that its super important for everyone involved to prepare for giving and receiving a prostate massage . Its also worth mentioning that this might feel a bit uncomfortable at first. As SELF previously reported, making sure youre getting in sufficient amounts of foreplay is a big part of lowering the odds that youll deal with things like pain and tearing.
Both Tests Are Better Than One
Using these tests together is better than using either test alone. PSA testing together with a DRE may help find a dangerous cancer early when it is easier to treat.
Follow-up tests
If a problem is found, more tests will be done to find out whether you have prostate cancer or another health problem. Further tests can include:
- a follow-up PSA test
- a transrectal ultrasound a test that uses sound waves to make a picture of the rectum and nearby organs, including the prostate
- a biopsy of the prostate tissue samples of the prostate are looked at under a microscope
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Screening Tests For Prostate Cancer
Screening is testing to find cancer in people before they have symptoms. Its not clear, however, if the benefits of prostate cancer screening outweigh the risks for most men. Still, after discussing the pros and cons of screening with their doctors, some men might reasonably choose to be screened.
The screening tests discussed here are used to look for possible signs of prostate cancer. But these tests cant tell for sure if you have cancer. If the result of one of these tests is abnormal, you will probably need a prostate biopsy to know for sure if you have cancer.
How To Do A Breast Self
Step 1: Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. Here’s what you should look for:
If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor’s attention:
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Breast Self-Exam Step 1 |
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How Soon Will Prostate Test Results Be Available
Results for simple medical tests such as some urodynamic tests, cystoscopy, and abdominal ultrasound are often available soon after the test. The results of other medical tests such as PSA blood test and prostate tissue biopsy may take several days to come back. A health care provider will talk with the patient about the results and possible treatments for the problem.
Do All Men Who Are Treated For Prostate Cancer Lose Sexual And Urinary Function
Its definitely not true that all men are incontinent and impotent after treatment for prostate cancer. Urinary incontinence is usually temporary.
There can be a sexual impact for guys who have normal function. If the cancer is near their nerve bundle, theyre going to have a decrease in sexual function. If its not, and we can do bilateral nerve sparing surgery, studies show 70 percent can get back their normal sexual function. It all depends on where the cancer is. But the truth is that we cant predict very well who will be the 30 percent who will haveor still haveED some already do have ED because of age, diabetes, hypertension or renal failure.
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And If You Find Something
In the event of discovering a lump or pain in your testicles, dont panic.
With that being said, make sure to call your doctor, and set up an appointment for a proper check-up. Doctors normally make use of a physical examination of your prostate, and an MRI scan to evaluate testicle lumps.
The more you examine your testicles and perform these self-checks, the more you will notice if something changes.
Men: Cancer Screening Exams By Age

These exams are for men at average risk of cancer.
Take this checklist to your next doctors appointment. Your doctor can help you develop a more tailored screening plan if needed.
These exams are for men at average risk of cancer. If you believe you may be more likely to develop cancer because of your personal or family medical history, visit our screening guidelines page to learn about exams for men at increased risk.
Ages 40-49
- Beginning at age 40, you should speak with your doctor about the benefits and limitations of prostate screening.
- If you choose prostate cancer screening, you should get a digital rectal exam and PSA test every year starting at age 45 to check for prostate cancer if you are African American or have a family history of prostate cancer.
Ages 50-75
- If you choose prostate cancer screening, you should get a digital rectal exam and PSA test every year to check for prostate cancer
- Colonoscopy every 10 years or virtual colonoscopy every 5 years to check for colorectal cancer
Age 76 and older
If youre age 76 to 85, your doctor can help you decide if you should continue screening. MD Anderson does not recommend cancer screening for men age 85 and older.
All Ages
Speak with you doctor about cancer screening exams for lung and skin cancers. Exams are available for those at increased risk.
Regardless of your age, practice awareness. This means you should be familiar with your body so youll notice changes and report them to your doctor without delay.
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Repeating The Psa Test
A mans blood PSA level can vary over time , so some doctors recommend repeating the test after a month or so if the initial PSA result is abnormal. This is most likely to be a reasonable option if the PSA level is on the lower end of the borderline range . For higher PSA levels, doctors are more likely to recommend getting other tests, or going straight to a prostate biopsy.
What Are The Benefits And Risks Of A Psa Test
Finding prostate cancer before it spreads is a benefit to PSA testing.
However, PSA testing is no longer routinely recommended, because the detection of all prostate cancers doesnt always lead to improved survival.
The CDC states that a false positive can lead to unnecessary worry and tests, like a biopsy, causing potential harm.
There are some cases where the amount of prostate cancer is so minimal that it would never be life-threatening. of people who would have not had symptoms or died from their amount of prostate cancer may lead to more medical complications from the treatment.
Some treatment side effects include:
- urinary incontinence
- erectile dysfunction
- bowel problems
If youre concerned about your treatment plan, its a good idea to get a second opinion and weigh the pros and cons of treatment.
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How To Keep Your Prostate Healthy
A key part of keeping your prostate in good health is to be aware of any changes when you urinate or any discomfort in your lower abdomen, pelvis and anal area. If you notice anything that concerns you, visit a doctor. At Spire Healthcare, you can get the help you need with our mens health services, which provides specialist care for men with prostate, penile, testicular and bladder problems.
You can also take steps to prevent prostate issues by making changes to your lifestyle that promote good general health, which is thought to have a knock-on effect on promoting good prostate health. There are three main approaches:
Should You Get A Psa Test
Most people with penises will get a PSA test in their lifetime. Depending on the persons age and risk factors, your doctor may encourage one.
Organizations, like the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force , have laid out recommendations for those considering a screening.
The USPSTF recommends the following for those who have an average or increased risk of prostate cancer, do not have symptoms of prostate cancer, and have never been diagnosed:
- If youre 55 to 69 years old, you should make an individual decision whether you want to take a PSA test.
- Before making a decision, you should talk with your doctor about the including the benefits and harm of other tests and treatment.
- If youre 70 and older, you shouldnt be screened for prostate cancer routinely.
The suggests people also consider the following with their doctor prior to screening:
- if you have a family history of prostate cancer
- if youre African American
- if you have other medical conditions that may make it difficult for you to be treated for prostate cancer if its found
- how you value the potential benefits and harms of screening, diagnosis, and treatment
- Type: in-person collection
- Insurance coverage: FSA and HSA accepted
If youre looking for quick results, Health Testing Centers offers one of the quickest solutions available. The online database of testing options provides customers with the ability to purchase lab-certified tests from LabCorp or Quest Diagnostics, and results are provided within 1 to 2 days.
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Self Prostate Exam For Prostate Stones
How to detect prostate stones in time? Experts said that the nature of prostate stones is the same as kidney stones, and stomach stones. However, the location of stones is in the prostate. Then how do we perform self prostate exam for prostate stones?
Self prostate exam for prostate stones
1, under normal circumstances, the existence of prostate stones alone has no symptoms.
2, when the prostate gland and benign prostatic hyperplasia coexist, there will be symptoms of weak, urinary frequency, urinary wait, urine droplets and so on.
3, There will be discomfort of perineum, penis, pubic and anal and other adjacent organs. When getting up in the morning, the urethra will have white discharge when prostate stones and prostatitis coexist.
4, when the prostate stones and urethritis or other diseases of urinary tract infection coexist, there will be symptoms of frequent urination, urgency, hematuria and so on.
Summary
Above is the self prostate exam for prostate stones, have you learned it? Experts said that the best way for an early detection of prostate stones is to go to the hospital for medical examination. If your body has had the above symptoms, be sure go to the regular hospital for timely inspection.
How Do Men Feel About The Rectal Exam
I think most men are willing to do it, but some men are exceptionally opposed to it. They might be happy to hear that there are studies ongoing in the United Kingdom looking at using magnetic resonance imaging as a screening tool to be able to avoid doing a digital rectal exam in the future. There is a large African immigrant population in London with a higher incidence of prostate cancerthey didnt want to have the prostate exam because they had a lot of opposition to it. They were uncomfortable with it.
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How To Locate Your Prostate
This article was medically reviewed by Erik Kramer, DO, MPH. Dr. Erik Kramer is a Primary Care Physician at the University of Colorado, specializing in internal medicine, diabetes, and weight management. He received his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine from the Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2012. Dr. Kramer is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine and is board certified.There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 140,179 times.
The prostate is a walnut-sized organ in males that plays a major role in the production of semen. The easiest way to access the prostate is by way of an index finger carefully inserted into the rectum. The processes for accessing the prostate as part of a medical exam or for sexual pleasure are the same, and the same precautions should be taken. You should also keep an eye out for signs of potential prostate problems and contact your doctor as needed.
What Is A Dangerous Psa Level

The higher a persons PSA level, the higher the risk for prostate cancer. While PSA levels may fluctuate in a persons life, a consistent rise in PSA over time can indicate prostate cancer.
If you have a PSA level between 4 and 10, youre considered to be in the borderline range, according to the American Cancer Society. You have a 1 in 4 chance of having prostate cancer.
If the PSA level reaches above 10, theres a 50 percent chance you have prostate cancer.
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Should You Choose To Be Screened For Prostate Cancer At All
Prostate cancer is a disease that many men die with rather than of that is, despite aggressive prostate cancer killing some men, many more men would peacefully co-exist with their mild prostate cancers if they were left undiscovered.
Detecting prostate cancer might do good if it allows timely treatment to save mens lives, but can do harm via treatment side-effects: impotence, incontinence, the anxiety of false alarms or of discovering cancer, and so on.
Whether prostate screening saves lives at all is still debated. Several trials have found no preventive effect. The best-conducted trial showed that screening could prevent about one in five deaths from prostate cancer. However, this protection doesnt happen very often.
For a useful illustration, see the second page of this information sheet. This shows that over 11 years, about 1,000 men must be screened to save one life. In saving this one life, the trade-offs include:
- scores of men will have to undergo a prostate biopsy
- several will have complications of this biopsy
- about 37 extra men will find out they have prostate cancer
- several will suffer cancer treatment side effects such as impotence or incontinence.
How should we weigh up these pros and cons?
For some men, the small chance of benefit and the larger risk of harm leads them to decide not to proceed with testing. For others, the possibility of averting a cancer death, though small and uncertain, is worth the risks.