Performed to check for problems with the prostate gland, prostate tests can reflect if the gland is enlarged or causing bladder problems. Also, these exams can exhibit if there is any sign of cancer that can help begin the right treatment as soon as possible.
Diagnosing issues related to the prostate, including enlargement and cancerous growth, early can prove to be vital to treat the condition before it becomes life-threatening. Considering this, men aged between 45 years and 50 years must undertake screening tests regularly to check the health of their prostate gland. Also, consulting a specialist like Dr Mir Reza Kamal, the best urologist in Kolkata, is recommended for personalised advice.
When are Prostate Tests Recommended?
Your urologist can recommend prostate tests if you experience the following symptoms:
- Have a weak or interrupted urine stream
- Painful urination
- Trouble starting a urine stream
- Urinary urgency or nocturia
- Urine blockage
- Urinary incontinence (or bladder control problems)
- Urine with an unusual odour or colour
Notably, some prostate issues may require a series of medical tests for accurate diagnosis.
Types of Prostate Tests
To diagnose prostate problems, the following are the types of tests ordered by a urologist:
- Digital rectal exam (DRE): Slightly uncomfortable, DRE is a brief test. During the exam, you are either required to stand and bend forward or lie on your side with your knees bent. Then, a health care professional inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum to check the prostate. He/she will massage the prostate to collect a sample of fluid if an infection is suspected.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: It is a blood test that measures the amount of PSA protein, which is only made by the prostate. This test is used along with DRE to rule out the possibility of prostate cancer. It is to be noted that high PSA levels could be a sign of prostate cancer, prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia. Also, it is advised to repeat the test in order to establish a trend for your PSA level and reduce the odds of any inaccuracy.
- Prostate health index (PHI): Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the index adds your PSA score in a mathematical formula with results from two other blood tests. PHI is known to measure the risk for prostate cancer more accurately. Also, this can save you an unnecessary biopsy.
- TRUS-guided biopsy: Most prostate biopsies are guided by transrectal ultrasound or TRUS. A probe that is slightly larger than a finger is inserted into the rectum. Then, ultrasound images indicate the size of the prostate and might also identify abnormal-looking areas in the gland. Now, a needle is inserted through the rectum next to the ultrasound probe in order to take tissue samples.
- MRI-guided biopsy: Biopsy needles are inserted through the rectum to collect tissue samples of the targeted areas seen on MRI images.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/TRUS-fusion-guided biopsy: Images of the prostate are taken during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Then, these MRI images are fused with real-time TRUS images using special software. The resultant images offer targeted guidance and allow precise biopsy of any concerning areas.
Further, your urologist may order some additional tests, including:
- Cystoscopy checks your prostate’s shape and size to ensure that the symptoms are not due to bladder cancer or a bladder stone
- Computed Tomography (CT) is used to find out any abnormality in the urinary tract
- Ultrasound is conducted to check any urinary tract blockage
- Urinalysis is suggested to check if you have a bladder infection
- Urodynamic tests are undertaken to measure the pressure or find any obstruction in your bladder
Preparing for Prostate Tests
While a little preparation is required before a prostate exam, your healthcare provider must be informed about your existing conditions like haemorrhoids, anal fissures and anal tears, which may cause discomfort.
Also, it is advisable to abstain from sex or masturbating for 48 hours before the exam because ejaculation can cause an increase in your PSA levels, affecting test results. Further, there’s no need to change any bathroom habits. It is fine to defecate before your exam.
All in all, it is best to visit an experienced healthcare provider as soon as you face any of the above-mentioned symptoms indicating prostate issues. Feel free to connect with the best urologist in Kolkata, Dr Mir Reza Kamal at Apollo for accurate guidance.
Laila Azzahra is a professional writer and blogger that loves to write about technology, business, entertainment, science, and health.