When Should Men Get Their First Prostate Exam?

Prostate Exam Guidelines for Aging Men

When it comes to prostate cancer, it is vital to be proactive about your health and get regular screenings. Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer in men, and one in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. While prostate cancer is often treatable if caught early, it can be deadly if it spreads. That's why it's important to get a prostate exam at the first sign of prostate problems.

But at what age should men get their first prostate exam? The answer isn't always straightforward.

Your First Prostate Exam

Some experts recommend that all men over 50 get a prostate exam, while others say that men at high risk for prostate cancer (such as those with a family history of the disease) should get screened earlier. Ultimately, it's up to you and your doctor to decide when to start prostate screenings.

What to Expect at Your Exam

During a prostate exam, your doctor will feel your prostate gland to check for any lumps or abnormalities. You may need to undergo further testing, such as a prostate biopsy, if anything suspicious is found. But catching prostate cancer early is crucial to treatment and survival, so don't skip out on this important preventative health measure.

Promoting Prostate Health

If you're concerned about prostate cancer, talk to your doctor about your risk factors and whether a prostate exam is right for you. In the meantime, you can take preventative steps to promote prostate health by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. And remember, prostate cancer is curable if caught early — so don't delay getting screened!

Schedule Your Prostate Exam Today

At Northern Inyo Healthcare District, our urology services focus on the urinary tract and system, including the kidneys and bladder, as well as reproductive organs. Our expert team treats a full range of conditions and performs surgery at our hospital if necessary with our state-of-the-art da Vinci Xi Surgical System.

To stay on top of your prostate health, schedule a prostate exam with our Rural Health Clinic today by calling 760-873-2849.