Sep 04, 2025
Many men put off their prostate screening, and we get it. Thanks to movies and tv, there’s a general stigma attached to prostate checks.
You may feel embarrassed, uncomfortable, or even stressed about an upcoming prostate exam, especially if you’ve noticed changes. But know this, there’s absolutely nothing to be scared of.
Understanding what a prostate exam involves, when you may need one, and how to prepare for it can make the process much easier.
With the right information, it can become a routine part of looking after your health, instead of something to avoid.
What Is a Prostate Exam?
Your doctor may recommend a prostate exam as part of your routine physical to check for any changes or abnormalities.1
A prostate exam could either be a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test or a digital rectal examination (DRE).1,2 But not every visit requires a rectal check.1
Why Do Doctors Conduct Prostate Tests?
A prostate exam helps your doctor detect signs of prostate problems, such as:
- prostate cancer1
- benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), AKA an enlarged prostate1
- Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate)3
Screening tools like the PSA test are especially useful because they can detect cancer early, when it’s often easier to manage.1
What Happens at a Prostate Exam?
If your doctor is doing a PSA, it’s a routine blood draw like any other.1 You might feel a slight pinch, but the process only lasts a few minutes.1 You don’t need to prepare for it, and your results are often ready within a few days.1
With a DRE, after undressing, your doctor might ask you to lie on your side, stand, or lean forward.1 Your doctor will then place a gloved, lubricated finger into your anus to check for changes in the size, shape or texture your prostate.2,4 It may feel a little uncomfortable, but it’s not painful and only takes a few seconds.1
When Should Men Get a Prostate Exam?
If you’re wondering at what age to have a prostate exam, speak with your doctor, as guidelines vary.5 Often recommended from the age of 50,1 this also aligns with the American Cancer Society’s guidance for men at average risk of prostate cancer.6
The Society also suggests the following:
- Age 40 to 45 for higher-risk men, like men of color or those with a family history of prostate cancer3
- Any age if symptoms are present7
Symptoms to Watch For
If you notice any of these symptoms, they could be signs of a prostate problem. It’s best to speak with your doctor and get it checked.
- blood in your urine or semen8
- frequent or urgent need to pee, especially at night8,9
- difficulty starting your stream8
- weak stream1
- pain in your lower back, pelvis, or belly1
- pain or burning when peeing10
Tips to Make a Prostate Exam Easier
When going for your prostate cancer screening, these tips could make the experience less uncomfortable:
- Talk to your doctor about any questions you have, no matter how embarrassing they feel.
- Let your doctor know if you have hemorrhoids, tears, fissures, or anal stenosis (narrowing of the anus).1
- Let your doctor know about all the medications you’re taking.11
- Avoid sexual activities, including masturbation and ejaculation, 48 hours before your PSA test, as it can affect the results.1
- Avoid cycling before your PSA test, as it puts pressure on your prostate and can also affect results.11
- Wear comfortable clothing that you can easily remove.
- Empty your bowels before your appointment if possible.1
- Bring someone along for emotional support.
- Remind yourself that it only takes a few minutes, while your peace of mind will be significantly longer.
Prostate Exam vs. Colonoscopy: What's the Difference?
Prostate exams and colonoscopies are different procedures, but they often get mixed up. The key differences are:
| Prostate Exam (DRE/PSA) | Colonoscopy | |
| Purpose | Prostate health screening1 | Colon/bowel cancer screening12 |
| Preparation required | Minimal1 | Bowel preparation day before12 |
| Duration | Minutes1 | 30-60 minutes13 |
| Discomfort level | Brief, mild1 | Minimal (sedation involved)1 |
| How often | Annually (if screening)1 | Every 10 years (average risk)12 |
If you’ve had a colonoscopy before, a prostate exam may feel quicker and more straightforward. If not, just remember, both are routine checks that support your health.
If you’re experiencing leaks or dribbles TENA Men products are specifically designed for the male body to give you all-day comfort and confidence.
FAQs
Why Do Men Avoid Prostate Exams?
For many men, a prostate check brings up many feelings, including embarrassment, worry about discomfort, and fear about what might be found. Not really knowing what to expect makes some men put it off altogether.
All these reactions are normal and understandable but avoiding a prostate exam doesn’t remove the risk; it only delays finding out what’s going on.
At What Age Should a Man Get a Prostate Exam?
It’s recommended to have a routine prostate exam around the age of 501 and if you’re a man at average risk of cancer.6
For higher-risk men with a family history of prostate cancer or men of color, screening often starts earlier, around the ages of 40 to 45.6 But there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
Speaking with your doctor will help you decide when to go based on your personal risk and health history.7
What Does a Prostate Exam Feel Like?
A PSA blood test is like any blood draw. You might feel a pinch, but it’s over in a few minutes.1
With a DRE, it may be uncomfortable for a few seconds, but for most men, it’s not painful.1
The anticipation is almost always worse than the procedure itself.
How Unpleasant Is a Prostate Exam?
A prostate exam is not a pleasurable experience, but it’s brief, manageable, and far less uncomfortable than most men expect. Your doctor does these exams regularly and will guide you through them.
What Are the First Signs of Prostate Problems in Men?
Early signs of prostate issues often begin with changes in urinary habits like:
- needing to pee more often, especially at night 8,9
- difficulty starting your stream8
- a weak urine stream1,9
- dribbling after peeing10
- discomfort or pain in the pelvic area1
When Should You See a Doctor?
If there’s an issue with your prostate, it may be due to conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH),1 prostatitis,3 or prostate cancer.1 Signs you should see your doctor include:
- pain while peeing10
- blood in your urine or semen8
- trouble getting an erection8
These symptoms are not always linked to cancer, but if you notice any changes, even minor ones, it’s best to make an appointment with your doctor to help identify any issues early.
Does a Prostate Exam Hurt?
For most men, no. A DRE can feel uncomfortable for a few seconds, but it’s not painful.1 Discussing your concerns with your doctor ahead of time can help put your mind at ease.
References
1. Cleveland Clinic. Prostate Exam: Age, Procedure, What to Expect & Results [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2026. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22764-prostate-exam
2. Cleveland Clinic. Prostate: Anatomy, Location, Function & Conditions [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2025. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23965-prostate
3. Cleveland Clinic. Prostatitis: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2023. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15319-prostatitis
4. Digital rectal exam [Internet]. Mayo Clinic. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/multimedia/digital-rectal-exam/img-20006434
5. CDC. Should I Get Screened for Prostate Cancer? [Internet]. Prostate Cancer. 2025. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/prostate-cancer/screening/get-screened.html
6. American Cancer Society. American cancer society recommendations for prostate cancer early detection [Internet]. www.cancer.org. Available from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/acs-recommendations.html
7. American Cancer Society. Tests for Prostate Cancer | Prostate Cancer Diagnosis [Internet]. www.cancer.org. Available from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/how-diagnosed.html
8. Mayo Clinic. Prostate cancer - symptoms and causes [Internet]. Mayo Clinic. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353087
9. NHS. Prostate cancer - Symptoms [Internet]. Nhs.uk. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms/
10. Ames H. Are there early signs of prostate cancer? [Internet]. Medicalnewstoday.com. Medical News Today; 2022 [cited 2026 May 5]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/early-signs-of-prostate-cancer#signs
11. Watson S. 9 Dos and Don’ts Before a PSA Test [Internet]. EverydayHealth. 2025. Available from: https://www.everydayhealth.com/cancer/dos-and-donts-before-a-psa-test/
12. Cleveland Clinic. Colonoscopy [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2022. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/4949-colonoscopy
13. Mayo Clinic. Colonoscopy - Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayoclinic.org. Mayo Clinic; Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/colonoscopy/about/pac-20393569
