Urological prostate examination is a procedure used to prevent and diagnose early pathologies of the genitourinary system of men. When these pathologies are detected in time, they can be treated by non-surgical means (active surveillance, medication, change of habits), which in many cases allows to avoid going to the operating room and some of its consequences, such as sexual impotence or incontinence.
When should a urological prostate examination be performed?
- In patients with a family history, an annual prostate examination is recommended from the age of 45.
- For the general population, an annual prostate examination is recommended from the age of 50.
What tests are performed?
- Medical history: The doctor collects personal and family health data and especially those related to urinary symptoms. The IPSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) questionnaire is assessed here.
- Physical examination: Abdominal and genital examination, and digital rectal examination (if required).
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: blood and/or urine tests to detect prostate cancer and other laboratory values.
- Reno-vesico-prostatic urological ultrasound: study of the state of the reno-vesico-prostatic tissues.
- Post-void residual measurement: ultrasound study of the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination, which serves to check if normal emptying is taking place.
How long does it last?
The urological prostate examination lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Recommendations before coming
It is advisable to drink water and try not to have urinated before the ultrasound.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the prostate?
The prostate is a gland of the male genitourinary system that is located below the bladder, surrounding the urethra, and in front of the rectum. Its main function is to produce seminal fluid appropriate for the survival and mobility of sperm. It also has an immune function, as it secretes substances that protect the urinary tract from external agents that can penetrate the urethra and cause infections.
Why is it important to have regular check-ups?
With age, a man’s prostate increases in size due to natural causes. In many cases this growth may be related to prostatic pathologies such as benign hyperplasia, prostatitis or prostate cancer. Men’s health from a comprehensive perspective also requires monitoring over the years so that we can prevent future complications.
Around 20% of men need prostate surgery at some point in their lives, which carries risks and can leave sequelae such as incontinence or sexual impotence. Urological-prostatic examinations help to detect prostate pathologies early, which in many cases allows them to be addressed with non-surgical treatments (active surveillance, medication, change of habits).
What symptoms should I suspect?
- Constant need to urinate
- Urinating more frequently
- Getting up at night
- Urgency and incontinence
- Feeling of incomplete emptiness
- Decreased strength to urinate
- Interrupted urination
- Bleeding when urinating
- Urinary infections Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a prostate pathology is detected during the check-up?
The urologist will advise the patient on check-ups or lifestyle changes, explain the different medication options (if necessary), and expectations based on the results of the tests.
What is checked during a prostate urological check-up (apart from the prostate)?
Aspects related to the overall health of the man and other bladder, kidney, or male genital tract pathologies are assessed.
How do prostate problems affect my sex life?
Certain pathologies or treatments can affect ejaculation, libido, erectile function, etc.
Can a prostate problem limit my social activity?
Obviously, urinary urgency and incontinence is a limitation for many patients who, out of shame, even limit their work, personal, or romantic relationships.
What is the fee of an urological prostate examination?
79 euros