Can I Really Do A Prostate Self-Exam?

Posting Date: 04/13/1999

E-mail question from Royce: Would you please describe the prostate self-examination? I tried it, and either I'm not flexible enough, I don't know the technique, or my finger isn't long enough.

I have an annual physical that includes a DRE (digital-rectal exam), so is a self-exam necessary? I'm squeamish about it, and wonder if it's even possible. I think my doctor would say it's impossible.

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Dr. Dean: Of course prostate self-exam is possible. HealthCentral.com tells you how to do it. Or have your partner do it for you. And women - get your partner to examine your breasts, also. Believe me, the exams will happen more frequently.

If you have a DRE only once a year, how will you know if you develop a problem at the six-month mark? By doing self-exams! By the time your doctor finds trouble during an annual exam, it has been growing for six months. If you catch it six months earlier, you might save your life.

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