Though it may seem relatively simple to perform, prostate exams require proper technique and the ability to understand what you are feeling for.  Possible complications include bleeding due to nail punctures of cysts or other masses. This can lead to infection or other complications, which you cannot handle at home and would require a trip to your doctor regardless. In addition, if your self exam is abnormal and you seek advice from your doctor, he will most likely repeat the exam to confirm the results anyway. Performed at your doctor’s office, your doctor would position you either lying down on your side with your knees up or standing leaning forward with your hips flexed. This gives the doctor easier access to your rectum and prostate. This will either require some handy work with a hand mirror or the assistance of a spouse or partner. Inspect your rectal area visually for any skin conditions, such as cysts, warts, or hemorrhoids. You or your partner should put on a sterile latex glove to perform the DRE. Ensure that you wash your hands before touching the glove to put it on. You will only use your index finger for the exam, but you should still wear gloves. Ensure you have closely trimmed fingernails before washing your hands and putting on the glove. Even through the latex, you can accidentally scrape the area or puncture a cyst or other mass. A lubricant such as Vaseline or KY Jelly will allow easier, less stressful penetration into the rectum. Apply a liberal amount of the lubricant to the index finger of the glove. You or your partner will insert the index finger into your rectum. Turn the finger in a circular motion to feel for any bumps or lumps that could indicate cancer, tumors, or cysts along the walls of your rectum. If no abnormalities are present, the walls should be smooth with a consistent shape. Use gentle pressure. Your prostate lies above/in front of this portion of your rectal wall. Abnormal findings as you feel toward your prostate include firm, bumpy, non-smooth, enlarged, and/or tender areas. In a professional setting, the entire exam will take approximately ten seconds, so don’t spend too much time feeling around as it will only increase your discomfort with the exam. Dispose of the glove and remember to wash your hands again immediately. Make sure that you follow-up with your doctor for further tests and discussion. If you feel like your exam showed abnormalities, then you should make an appointment with your doctor right away. Remember to tell the physician that you administered a self exam if it’s been less than two days since this can result in an elevated PSA level on other tests.
يفضل أن يقوم طبيبك بهذا الفحص. التزم باتخاذ الوضعية الصحيحة. ابحث عن أية مشاكل جلدية بتلك المنطقة. ارتدِ قفازات معقمة. استخدم مادة لزقة لتليين القفازات. تحسس جدران المستقيم. تحسس جدار المستقيم في اتجاه البطن. أنهِ الفحص. اتصل بطبيبك.