The prostate gland is a gland located at the beginning of the urethra. It is a gland that controls important functions associated with the reproductive system. When a man ejaculates during sexual activity, the prostate gland passes some fluid that mixes along with fluid from the seminal vesicle and the sperm from the testicles. This fluid from the prostate is alkaline in nature, allowing the sperm to last longer in the harsh, acidic conditions experienced in a woman's vagina. By allowing the sperm to last longer, the prostate fluid increases the chances of fertilization as the sperm travel through the woman's reproductive system for hours before any one of them can fertilize an egg.
The prostate also controls the sphincter muscle and prevents urine from mixing with the semen fluid during sexual activity. It is for this reason that urination does not occur immediately before, during, or immediately after orgasm. Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that affects many men across the world. Cancer itself refers to the formation of abnormal cells on or around an organ that begin to attack the healthy cells of the organ and also spread uncontrollably through the body. Most diseases or conditions are easier to treat at an early stage. In the case of cancer, early detection is even more important because the chances of surviving cancer reduce considerably as the disease progresses.
A digital rectal exam for prostate cancer is a test that is conducted using the fingers, that is digits, of a doctor. In male anatomy, the anus is located just behind the testicles. This means that access to the prostate is easy through the rectum. A digital rectal exam does not involve actually touching the prostate. What happens during a digital rectal exam for prostate cancer is that the doctor introduces a gloved finger into the rectum and presses the area behind which the prostate is located. This pressure allows the doctor to feel the shape and consistency of the prostate tissue. Typically, the prostate should be soft and spongy but it may be hardened due to cancer.
A digital rectal exam for prostate cancer should be conducted on all men above the age of 50. However, people at higher risk such as those with family histories of the problem ought to be checked out at an earlier age. The digital rectal exam takes a few minutes and would be generally conducted on an outpatient basis. It may be slightly uncomfortable but the discomfort lasts only for a few minutes.