A pelvic exam for men primarily involves a digital rectal exam to assess the prostate gland.
What Happens During a Male Pelvic Exam?
During a pelvic exam, the doctor will check the health of the prostate and surrounding areas. Here's what you can typically expect:
- Preparation: The doctor will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have.
- Physical Examination: The exam itself involves the following, according to the reference:
- The doctor will put on lubricated rubber gloves.
- They will gently insert a finger into your rectum.
- The doctor will gently press on your prostate to check its size and shape while pressing on your pelvic area with the other hand.
The purpose of this exam is to screen for abnormalities of the prostate, such as enlargement or lumps, which could indicate conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer.
