It surrounds the first inch or so of the urethra, that is, the tube that carries urine from the bladder. The prostate produces fluids for the semen, the thick, whitish fluid that carries sperm. A physician performs a digital rectal exam. This involves the physician inserting a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum. The prostate gland can be felt by gently pressing against the rectal wall.
Any mild discomfort resolves after a short time.
If there are any lumps, bumps or irregularities felt on the rectal exam, your physician will determine what further evaluation may be needed. PSA is a substance produced by the prostate. An increase in the PSA level may indicate some sort of change in the prostate. The level of PSA in the blood can be elevated in a variety of conditions, including infection and inflammation, prostate enlargement as well as prostate cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends a yearly PSA test for men 50 and older, although a physician determines how frequent the test should be done based on an individual's health and medical history.