Prostate examination | Prostate

Prostate examination

The prostate can be easily examined and assessed by means of a digital-rectal palpation. This examination is best performed in a lateral position. It is important that the patient is as relaxed as possible.

The examiner can first assess the anus from the outside. He then inserts a gloved finger into the patient’s anus (digital-rectal). Lubricant is used for this.

Because the prostate is close to the rectum, the prostate can be palpated easily through the wall of the intestine. The examiner thus assesses the consistency, surface and shape of the prostate. The function of the sphincter muscle and the mucous membrane of the rectum are also taken into account in this examination.

During the examination, the protrusion of secretions from the urethra can also be provoked at the end of the examination by applying light pressure to the prostate. This secretion can be used for further analysis. A further examination of the prostate is the determination of the so-called PSA level in the blood.

The abbreviation PSA stands for Prostate Specific Antigen. This antigen is produced in the prostate. It is actually a component in the ejaculate, but a small amount also enters the bloodstream and can thus be determined in the blood.

If the PSA level in the blood is elevated, this increases the likelihood of a change in the prostate. However, the problem with this test is that the value can also be increased by other factors such as advanced age, benign or harmless changes (such as prostatitis) and sporting activities and sexual intercourse. The PSA value is given in micrograms per liter (μg/l).

The guideline value is 4 μg/l. However, the determination of the PSA level is very controversial as a screening method for prostate cancer. However, the value is used as a progression parameter in the therapy of prostate cancer.