Pain, no. It's undignified and kind of uncomfortable, but it only takes a few seconds and you really can't say that it hurts.
My Dr. gets my PSA from a blood draw. To be honest, i would rather have a finger in my ass than a needle in my arm.
The only time that happens is if your PSA (prostate specific anagram) is high or MRI shows swelling and they want to take a biopsy sample.
A friend of mine who is now passed away had one done and they didnt put her to sleep first and she said it hurt like crazy......
I felt no pain and other's whom I have subsequently chatted with about prostate issues, have said it's not painful. I had my first exam when I was 40. My Dad died from it so I wanted to know as much about mine before it would go awry. PSA is not a simple number which, if over it, means bad stuff. The number is specific to the individual because it's not the same even when we're healthy. So one guy's 50 may be another guys 75 (for example) and it's the amount we are raised by, from the baseline number, that matters. First time was a surprise I was standing and bent over the couch, naked form the waist down. I felt his finger go in and I got an amazing sensation which made me let out an involuntary moan. Embarrassed I was but the Dr carried on as if nothing had happened. I got a semi erection but nothing more. In the car afterwards I felt the sap rising and sure enough, a wet patch showed on my trousers. Years later - about 5 back, I had a fourth or fifth exam. Always by lady doctors now, since that first time. I know it's only a physical exam and not sexual but I usually get a semi as she examines me. I ask about sex and sexual practices - anything sexual - that I feel an urge to know or on behalf of a female friend who's said she wants to know but feels unable to ask her own doctor. The result has been more sexual knowledge particularly about female masturbation, more knowledge about sex in general as well as the medical side of it. Much more besides. I recommend you build a rapport with your doctor and learn to just chat to learn stuff. Mine is very open to discuss and explain.
I'm not sure you meant what you said here. The PSA test is always with a blood draw, and not because of MRI. The only way a Doc determines your PSA is high is through a blood draw. Digital exam does not determine PSA results - it only checks for an enlarged Prostate, which may or may not be signs of cancer, but of BPH. If the PSA value is high, they will most likely take a biopsy. PSA = Prostate Specific Antigen...
When a concerning PSA result is referred to the Royal Marsden in the UK, their first step is a full MRI. It shows any enlargement, tissue structure, position of the prostate in relation to the rectum and bladder, along with the path of the urethra through the prostate. The MRI is first useful for locating the point in the rectum to insert the biopsy needle, then later to insert the markers prior to target beam radiotherapy. It is also useful in avoiding unnecessary TURP procedures.
