Before this thread spun out of control, I was thinking that the PSA test (as many times as needed) is MUCH preferable to the doctor's random (and RUDE) thumb.
My doctor and I both agreed that using any measurement, the thumb test is the least favorite for BOTH of us.
That, of course, makes me wonder why a smart person who goes through college (4 yrs), medical school (4 yrs) and the whole intern/residency thing (3yrs)and gets that much smarter and well-educated chooses the specialty of Proctology.
And please, there is NOT enough money to justify that.
I'm not sure what you mean by this thread spinning out of control. It has been long established that BOTH the PSA test and a rectal exam is VITAL to detect any changes that may occur in the prostate after age 50 (for accuracy's sake it isn't done with the thumb). A PSA test certainly may be preferable to a 'rude' finger but it doesn't make it less important. The procedure isn't painful but it is uncomfortable, and lasts for less than 5 seconds. I've had it done by proctologists as well as family physicians. They know what the proper size and feel of the prostate should be based on age.
There's nothing fun about it, and I get the fact that some people want nothing to do with something as 'invasive' as a prostate exam. The importance of the exam however, cannot be underestimated when combined with a PSA number over time. How to proceed if things change when you get older is debatable (as well as other symptoms that may occur), but the exam's relevance in undeniable.
