Doctor asking if he can examine the prostate

During my last exam by my urologist, he asked me for permission to examine my prostate with a DRE. I found this question unexpected, because I was consulting for prostate problems and it was not the first time. I had already pulled down my underwear for the ultrasound.

The first time I saw the doctor I am seeing currently I don't remember him asking me to check my prostate. He had me laying on my back for the genital exam, as soon as he was done with that he told me to roll onto my side, he was going to check my prostate and rectum.

During this last year's exam I was still sitting in the chair when he told me to get undressed and put the gown on. I asked him if he was going to check everything? He said, "Yes I am going to check everything, even your prostate is that alright with you." This last year's exam is the first time I can remember him getting my permission before checking it.

The first time I saw the doctor I am seeing currently I don't remember him asking me to check my prostate. He had me laying on my back for the genital exam, as soon as he was done with that he told me to roll onto my side, he was going to check my prostate and rectum.

In stead of asking you to roll onto your side, he should've just told you to spread your legs and pull your knees up 😄

In stead of asking you to roll onto your side, he should've just told you to spread your legs and pull your knees up 😄

I was able to keep my trousers and shoes on, this position would not have been the best one.

I think that having the doctor explain what would occur during the exam is a very thoughtful gesture. Hearing it however does tend to make me nervous. Still, it does help establish the doc's plan and allows for you to adjust.

Hearing it however does tend to make me nervous. Still, it does help establish the doc's plan and allows for you to adjust.

10 years ago I would have been nervous but now this exam leaves me indifferent and I know it always ends like this.

I would prefer to change doctors each time, but that is not possible.

On a first visit to a urologist for a referral, I was informed I would be getting a male exam in addition to a cystoscope test to check the concern.

After the cystoscopy was done the doctor proceeded to check my penis and urethra closely visually and a thorough palpation of the testicles while i was already lying down.

I knew the exam should usually include a prostate exam, but I guess as a baseline he was going to check. He helped me put my feet flat on the table and told me to expect some pressure as he lubed his middle finger and applied some of the extra lube directly to my anus. It was a quick DRE but I didn't think there was much time to opt out. Grateful though to be assured that it was all normal.

When I was over forty and had my physical it was expected to get my prostate examined digitally and I was never asked if it was okay. He would lube up his finger and bend me over the exam table, insert his huge finger. When he pulled out the nurse handed me a tissue to clean up. He then would tell me if I was okay. After I turned fifty he would tell me it was getting enlarged. When I was sixty I had it removed due to cancer. Now no need of prostate exams.