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Prostate Exam and Screening PSA (Prostate
Specific Antigen) Testing: The PSA test is a blood test that measures
the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a substance made by the prostate. The levels of PSA in the blood can be higher in men
who have prostate cancer. The PSA level may also be elevated in other conditions that affect the prostate. As a rule, the higher the PSA level in the blood, the more likely a prostate problem is present. But many factors, such as age and race, can affect PSA levels. Some prostate glands produce more PSA than others. PSA levels also can be affected by—
Because many factors can affect PSA levels, your doctor is the best person to interpret your PSA test results. For more information about PSA testing, please click the AUA News Link
Digital Rectal Exam: The doctor will insert
a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate. This allows the examiner to estimate the size of the prostate
and feel for any lumps or other abnormalities. An enlarged prostate may be diagnosed.
Treatment options for
BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) Medications 5-Alpha reductase
inhibitors such as finasteride (Proscar®) and dutasteride
(Avodart®) prevent the conversion of testosterone to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In many cases, a treatment
period of 6-month is necessary to see if the therapy is going to work. These drugs are taken orally, once a day. Finasteride
is available in tablet form and dutasteride is available as soft gelatin capsules. Patients should see their physician regularly
to monitor side effects and adjust the dosage, if necessary. *Side effects include reduced libido, impotence, breast tenderness and enlargement, and reduced sperm count.
Long-term risks and benefits have not been studied. Alpha
blockers relax smooth muscle tissue in the bladder neck and
prostate, which increases urinary flow. They typically are taken orally, once or twice a day. Commonly prescribed alpha blockers include the following: •alfuzosin (UroXatral®), extended-release tablet taken once daily •tamsulosin hydrochloride (Flomax®), capsule taken once
daily Patients taking an alpha blocker
require follow-up during the first 3 or 4 weeks to evaluate the effect on symptoms and adjust the dosage, if necessary. *Side effects include headache, dizziness,
low blood pressure, fatigue, weakness, and difficulty breathing. Long-term risks and benefits have not been studied. Minimally Invasive Treatments Minimally invasive BPH treatments use
state-of-the-art tools and techniques to reduce or eliminate symptoms. Usually, heat is used to destroy excess prostate tissue.
Techniques differ in heat source, heat delivery method, side effects, and number of treatments.
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