How Often Should You Get a Prostate Exam?

As men age, staying proactive about prostate health becomes increasingly important. One of the most common questions men ask is, “How often should I get a prostate exam?” The answer depends on several factors, including age, family history, race, and the presence of urinary symptoms often associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

In this blog, we’ll cover how often prostate exams are needed, what the exams involve, and how conditions like BPH may affect the timing and frequency of screenings.

What Is a Prostate Exam?

A prostate exam is a routine screening method used to detect prostate abnormalities, including prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. There are two primary components:

1. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A healthcare provider inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the size, shape, and texture of the prostate.
2. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: A blood test that measures PSA levels, which may be elevated in men with prostate cancer, BPH, or prostatitis.

How Often Should You Get a Prostate Exam?

General Guidelines:

The frequency of prostate exams varies based on age and risk factors. Here’s a general breakdown:

• Men age 50 and older: Should discuss prostate cancer screening with their doctor and consider a PSA test and DRE every 1–2 years.
• Men at higher risk (including African American men or those with a family history of prostate cancer): Should start screening at age 40–45.
• Men under 40: Typically don’t need routine prostate exams unless they have significant symptoms or risk factors.

It’s important to note that not all healthcare providers recommend routine DREs anymore. Instead, PSA testing has become the more widely used tool for early detection, followed by a DRE if concerns arise.

When to Consider More Frequent Prostate Exams

More frequent prostate exams may be necessary if you have:

• Elevated PSA levels
• A family history of prostate cancer
• Urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, weak stream, or nocturia
• A history of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

What Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that commonly affects men as they age. While BPH is not prostate cancer, it can cause bothersome urinary symptoms and impact quality of life.

Common Symptoms of BPH:

• Frequent or urgent need to urinate
• Increased nighttime urination (nocturia)
• Difficulty starting urination
• Weak or interrupted urine stream
• Incomplete bladder emptying

BPH doesn’t raise the risk of prostate cancer, but its symptoms often prompt prostate exams and PSA testing to rule out more serious conditions.

How BPH Affects Prostate Exam Frequency

If you’ve been diagnosed with BPH, your doctor may recommend more frequent monitoring of your prostate health to:

• Assess the size and growth of the prostate
• Track changes in PSA levels
• Evaluate symptom progression
• Rule out prostate cancer if symptoms change or worsen

Men with BPH may need annual check-ups or PSA tests every 6–12 months, especially if they are on medication or have opted for non-surgical management.

How Are Prostate Exams Performed?

1. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)

• Duration: Takes less than 1 minute
• Purpose: Detects enlargement, lumps, or hard areas in the prostate
• Discomfort: Mild pressure but generally not painful

2. PSA Blood Test

• A small blood sample is taken and analyzed for PSA levels.
• Normal PSA: Generally considered to be under 4.0 ng/mL, though levels can vary with age.
• High PSA levels may indicate BPH, infection, or prostate cancer and warrant further evaluation.

Prostate Cancer vs. BPH: Understanding the Difference

While both conditions affect the prostate and can share similar symptoms, they are very different:

Prostate Cancer

• Malignant (cancerous)
• May be asymptomatic in early stages
• PSA levels are often elevated
• Treatment depends on the stage—it can include surgery, radiation, or hormone therapy

BPH

• Benign (non-cancerous)
• Urinary symptoms are common
• PSA levels can also be elevated
• Treatment is often managed with medication, lifestyle changes, or minimally invasive procedures like prostate artery embolization (PAE)

Because of symptom overlap, regular exams and PSA tests are key to distinguishing between the two.

When Should You Talk to a Doctor?

Don’t wait until symptoms become severe. Talk to your doctor if you:

• Have trouble urinating
• Wake up multiple times at night to urinate
• Notice blood in your urine or semen
• Experience pain during urination or ejaculation
• Have a family history of prostate conditions

Early detection leads to better outcomes, whether you’re managing BPH or monitoring for cancer.

Lifestyle Tips for Prostate Health

Whether you’re preventing BPH or monitoring prostate changes, these habits can help support your prostate health:

• Stay active: Regular exercise helps manage hormones and inflammation.
• Eat a prostate-friendly diet: Focus on leafy greens, berries, nuts, tomatoes, and fatty fish.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine: Both can irritate the bladder and worsen urinary symptoms.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is linked to both BPH and prostate cancer.
• Avoid holding in urine: Empty your bladder regularly to avoid infections or increased pressure on the prostate.

Prostate Exams Save Lives

Early detection is critical in preventing complications from prostate cancer and managing conditions like BPH effectively. While many men avoid prostate exams due to discomfort or embarrassment, these quick and simple screenings can make a significant difference.

Stay Ahead of Prostate Health

So, how often should you get a prostate exam? For most men, beginning at age 50—or earlier if you’re at higher risk—is a good starting point. If you have BPH or experience urinary symptoms, you may need more regular monitoring.

The bottom line: Regular prostate exams help catch issues early, guide treatment, and improve long-term health. Don’t wait until symptoms disrupt your life— get help at American Prostate Centers. At American Prostate Centers, we specialize in prostate artery embolization (PAE), providing men with lasting relief from BPH symptoms. Schedule an appointment with us today to discuss your prostate screening needs and explore PAE as a treatment option for BPH. Contact us today and take the first step towards a healthier life!