June Is Men’s Health Month: Is It Time to Get Your Prostate Checked?

June is Men’s Health Month, a time to focus on the unique health challenges men face and to encourage proactive steps toward wellness. One of the most critical areas of men’s health is prostate care – in fact, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, and often goes undetected until it is advanced.

The good news? When it is caught early, it is highly treatable. Let’s break down what you need to know about your prostate, the signs to watch out for, and why now is the perfect time to start the conversation about screening for early detection.

Prostate Health 101

Let’s begin by answering a very common question: what is the prostate, and what does it do? The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland located just below the bladder in men. It plays a crucial role in the male reproductive system by producing seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm. As men age, the prostate tends to change, but not always in ways you can feel right away.

There are three common prostate-related conditions every man should know about:

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): This is an enlargement of the prostate that affects most men as they get older. It is not dangerous nor cancerous, but it can cause annoying symptoms like difficulty starting urination, weak flow, or frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom.
Prostatitis: This is inflammation of the prostate, often caused by an infection. It can affect men of all ages and may lead to pelvic pain, painful urination, or even flu-like symptoms.
Prostate Cancer: This is the most serious of the three. It is also one of the most common types of cancer in men, but luckily, it is often treatable when caught early. Many cases grow slowly and do not cause any symptoms at first, which is why regular screening is so important.

Your risk for prostate issues increases with age, especially after 50 years old. Other risk factors include having a family history of prostate cancer, as well as leading a sedentary or unhealthy lifestyle.

Signs & Symptoms You Should Not Ignore

The tricky thing about prostate problems is that they often develop silently, but your body can send subtle signals that something is not quite right. While not every symptom points to cancer, ignoring changes in urinary or sexual health can delay a proper diagnosis and the right treatment.

Here are some key warning signs to watch out for:

Frequent urination, especially at night (also known as “nocturia”)
Difficulty starting or stopping urination
Weak or interrupted flow of urine
Pain or burning during urination or ejaculation
Blood in urine or semen
Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis

These symptoms can be caused by benign conditions like BPH or prostatitis, but they may also signal the early stages of prostate cancer. The challenge is that prostate cancer often does not cause any symptoms in its early stages. This is why regular screening is so important, especially for men over 50 or those at a higher risk.

Prostate Screening: What to Expect

The idea of getting your prostate checked might sound uncomfortable, but the reality is far easier – and less awkward – than most people think. Prostate screening is a simple and proactive way to take charge of your health, and it could be life-saving.

This is what typically happens during a prostate screening:

PSA Blood Test: The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test is the most common first step. It is a standard blood test that measures the level of PSA in your bloodstream, which is a protein produced by the prostate. Elevated PSA levels can indicate prostate inflammation, enlargement, or potentially even cancer. It is not a diagnosis on its own, but it is a valuable signal that more investigation may be needed.
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): During this exam, a doctor gently inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate for any irregularities like lumps or abnormal texture. It is quick, painless, and gives doctors another layer of insight.
Follow-Up and Monitoring: If your PSA levels are high or your DRE raises concerns, your doctor might recommend additional blood tests, an ultrasound, or a prostate biopsy to check for cancerous cells. However, not every elevated PSA necessarily means cancer – for instance, many men have high PSA levels due to benign conditions.

Benefits of Early Detection

When it comes to prostate cancer and other prostate-related issues, early detection can make all the difference. Because many prostate conditions develop slowly and without noticeable symptoms, routine screening is often the only way to catch them before they become more serious.

Here are some reasons why early detection matters:

Higher Survival Rates: Prostate cancer that is caught early and while it is still confined to the prostate is highly treatable. The sooner it is found, the more options you have for managing or curing it.

More Treatment Choices: Early-stage prostate cancer often allows people to have a broader range of treatment options, from active surveillance to minimally invasive procedures like NanoKnife Focal Therapy. Some newer treatments, such as SpaceOAR Hydrogel, even help protect healthy tissue during radiation. Catching prostate issues early means you can choose a treatment that fits your lifestyle and goals.

Less Aggressive Interventions: When prostate cancer is detected early, it may not require immediate treatment. Many men opt for regular monitoring instead of surgery or radiation, which reduces side effects and helps them maintain their quality of life.

Peace of Mind: Knowing your prostate is healthy – or that you are actively monitoring any potential concerns – offers a huge emotional benefit. Early detection gives you control over your health, helping you avoid the fear and urgency that can come with a late diagnosis.

Early detection allows men to live longer, healthier, and more confident lives with fewer complications. This Men’s Health Month, consider it a smart and powerful step forward.

Early Detection and Prevention at Steinberg Urology

Let Men’s Health Month serve as a reminder to take action. Your health is your greatest asset, and staying on top of it starts with awareness and regular check-ups. Regardless of the reason, taking a few minutes to schedule a prostate screening could make all the difference.

Do not wait around for symptoms to appear – take control of your health now. Book a screening with our world-class urologist with our world-class urologist here at Steinberg Urology. Encourage the men in your life to do the same, and make this June the month you put your health first.