Unnecessary prostate exam?

Question

My husband has a family history of prostate cancer: his father and both grandfathers have had it and his father had cancer at 45. He is now 25 and has been having trouble with frequent urination. When he went for his routine physical, he discussed his family history and symptom with the doctor and was told a DRE and a blood test were unnecessary until he is 40. Of course he didn't WANT these tests, but he is now a little afraid for his health. What age is normal for a guy to have his prostate checked, particularly with a family history of prostate cancer? Do you guys have it done when you get physicals? (Please post your age).

Answer 1

They don't do prostate screenings routinely until age 35, but if a male is presenting with symptoms of prostate trouble (like your husband's frequent urination), they will do the exam at any age.  

I had my first prostate exam at age 26 when I was suspected of having epididymitis, although it was probably prostatodynia (unexplained prostate pain).

Answer 2

i hire someone once every few weeks to massage my prostate.

Answer 3

I'm 27 and just had a physical a few weeks ago.  My doctor doesn't start doing prostate exams until 30.  40 is pretty much standard for the exam and the PSA blood test.  But these are tests that are done as part of a standard physical.  If your husband is having symptoms like frequent and difficult urination at least the doctor should have done the prostate check.  It's painless and takes 30 seconds.  

I'd suggest your husband seek a second opinion at the very least to allay his own fears.

Answer 4

it is often recommended at 40-50 without a history, but with that family history I'd say it should be done routinely, and will certainly happen if he has urination problems

it is a bit embarassing and uncomfortable but the risk of not getting it done is so severe it needs to be done, the earlier it's treated the better, tell him to be a man and take it, it only takes a minute, honestly it wasn't nearly as bad as a blood test, but I really hate blood tests

Answer 5

with family history if I were your husband at his age I would request a P.S.A. which is a prostate blood screen test. If its o.k. every year until he is older then maybe he could wait until he is 30 to start getting prostate exams.