Young Men, Do You Know How to Check Your Prostate?

The prostate is a gland unique to men, located below the bladder and surrounding the initial part of the urethra. While many believe that the issues mainly occur in middle-aged and older men, this view is not entirely accurate.

Young men can also face prostate problems such as prostatitis, prostate cysts, and even early-stage prostate cancer. If these issues are not detected and treated promptly, they can affect quality of life and reproductive health.

So, how can young men check their prostate?

In daily life, self-observation can be conducted through the following methods:

1. Urinary Symptoms

Urinary problems are common symptoms of the disease. Frequent urination during the day or night, especially if the amount of urine is small each time, could signal issues.

2. Physical Sensations

Pay attention to abnormal sensations or pain in the lower abdomen or perineal area. Persistent pain or discomfort in the perineal region (the area between the scrotum and anus), as well as lower abdominal or lower back pain, could be related to prostate problems.

3. Sexual Dysfunction

Difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection, premature ejaculation, or significant pain during ejaculation could be early signs and should be taken seriously.

If abnormalities are detected during self-examination or if there are persistent discomfort symptoms, a professional examination should be conducted promptly:

1. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)

DRE is the most common method for examination. The doctor wears a glove and inserts a finger through the anus to palpate the prostate, assessing its size, shape, and texture. This method is simple and requires no special equipment, although it may cause discomfort.

2. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test

It involves a blood test to measure the level of PSA, a protein secreted by the prostate. Elevated levels of the antigen may indicate prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or prostate cancer. Although this test is not completely specific, it is an important tool for screening prostate diseases.

3. Urinalysis

This method can detect infections or other abnormalities in the urine. By analyzing a urine sample, doctors can determine whether there is prostatitis or other urinary system problems.

4. Ultrasound Examination

This examination uses ultrasound imaging to provide a more visual assessment of the prostate's size and structural abnormalities. Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) is a commonly used method.

5. Prostatic Fluid Examination

This method involves collecting a sample of prostatic fluid through prostate massage, followed by microscopic examination. It can determine the presence of inflammatory cells or pathogens in the prostatic fluid, thereby diagnosing prostatitis.

Through prostate examination, doctors can discover and diagnose the following common problems:

1. Prostatitis

Prostatic fluid examination and urinalysis are commonly used to diagnose prostatitis. This disease may be caused by bacterial infection or other factors. Symptoms include difficulty urinating, pain, and sexual dysfunction.

2. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Digital rectal exam and ultrasound examination can help diagnose BPH. BPH is common in middle-aged and elderly adults, but younger men may also be affected. Symptoms include urinary frequency, urgency, and a weak urine stream.

3. Prostate Cysts

Ultrasound examination is the primary method for diagnosing prostate cysts. This cysts are fluid-filled formed inside the prostate, which may lead to difficulty urinating and discomfort.

4. Prostate Cancer

PSA test and digital rectal exam are essential methods for early screening of prostate cancer. Confirmation usually requires further biopsy. This cancer is the malignant proliferation of prostate cells, which may be asymptomatic in the early stages.

Young men should pay attention to maintaining prostate health in daily life. If diagnosed with prostatitis or BPH, patients can take Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill, which can effectively relieve symptoms.

Recommended Readings:

How Does the Prostate Control Ejaculation?

The Prostate's Role in Urinary and Reproductive Health - 4 Things Men Should Avoid

What Are Some Massage Methods for Prostate Health?