Whether you’re feeling nervous or just curious about what a prostate exam all about, here’s a breakdown of what to expect and why it matters.
Do I need a prostate exam?
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. The good news? When detected early, it’s very treatable.
You should consider a prostate exam if you:
- Are over the age of 50
- Are over 45 and have a family history of prostate cancer
- Are African American (higher risk group)
- Experience urinary changes (e.g., frequent urination, trouble starting or stopping)
- Just want peace of mind about your prostate health
Even if you feel perfectly fine, a screening can catch things you wouldn’t notice on your own.
Do I need a referral or insurance for a prostate exam?
In most cases, no referral is needed—you can book an appointment directly with your primary care doctor or urologist. That said, insurance coverage can vary, so it’s a good idea to check with your provider to understand any co-pays or costs associated with screenings like the PSA blood test or additional follow-ups.
What happens at a prostate exam?
The exam usually includes 2 parts:
- PSA Blood Test: This measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in your blood. High levels don’t always mean cancer. It can indicate something is going on in the prostate that’s worth a closer look.
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): This is the part most people feel nervous about, but it’s over in seconds. During the DRE:
- Your doctor will ask you to stand and bend forward or lie on your side with your knees up.
- They’ll gently insert a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the size, shape, symmetry, and texture of the prostate gland.
- The goal is to check for any lumps, nodules, hard areas or other abnormalities.
It’s not painful, but it may feel uncomfortable for a moment. The whole thing takes less than a minute.
Feeling nervous about a prostate exam? That’s normal—here’s how to stay comfortable
Let’s normalize it: most people feel a little weird about their first prostate exam. But remember:
- You’re not alone. Millions of men get this exam every year.
- It’s quick. The DRE takes less than a minute.
- It’s private. Your doctor is focused on your health, not your body type or how you react.
- It’s routine. This is standard medical care—not something to be embarrassed about.
Tips to make a prostate exam easier
- Take deep breaths to help relax your muscles
- Let your doctor know if you’re feeling anxious—they’ll explain everything step-by-step
- Focus on the why: You're doing this for your health, and that’s a big deal
- Bring a support person if it helps to have someone nearby (even if they stay in the waiting room)
How long does a prostate exam take?
The entire visit usually takes about 20–30 minutes, including time to talk through your medical history, any symptoms, and results of the PSA test if applicable. The actual DRE itself? Under a minute.
What happens after a prostate exam?
Depending on your results, you might:
- Get the “all clear” and be advised to return in a year or two
- Be recommended for additional tests if your PSA is high or your doctor finds something unusual
- Talk through next steps if something needs to be monitored or treated
Your doctor will also likely go over:
- Your family history and personal risk
- Lifestyle habits that support prostate health
- When to schedule your next screening
What might surprise you about a prostate exam:
- It’s way faster than you think
- It doesn’t hurt—just feels a little odd
- Most people walk out thinking, “That was no big deal”
- It’s not about age—it’s about prevention
- Your doctor has done this hundreds of times (probably that week)
It’s 1 minute that could save your life
You might feel nervous or even a little embarrassed going into your first prostate exam—but you’ll walk out knowing you’ve taken a major step in looking out for your long-term health.
It’s quick. It’s routine. And it’s something you’ll be glad you did.
Ready to take care of your health?
Schedule your annual physical and prostate exam today with your primary care doctor. You’ve got this!
