When Should Men Speak to Their GP About Testing?
As doctors, we think about prostate health every day and talk about it every day we are at work. Very few men can say that they grew up talking about prostate health or heard their fathers or older brothers talk about it. It’s still a pretty taboo subject, unfortunately, meaning awareness of prostate health remains less than desirable. But prostate cancer is on the rise and most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK.
Because these conversations don’t happen often between men, they may not have the information needed to know when to speak to their GP. Some may feel stupid bringing it up at their age, or be embarrassed to ask for an examination or test. Some may think this only affects older men over 60 or 65, or that it can’t affect them.
The truth is that prostate concerns are extremely common, and most are not cancer. Knowing when to have a conversation with your GP can bring clarity, reassurance, and, when needed, early intervention.
So we thought it would be helpful to provide a guide on when to speak to your GP about your prostate.
What is the prostate?
The prostate is a small gland, roughly the size of a walnut, located just below the bladder. It plays an important role in producing fluid for semen and sits around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.
As men get older, it’s normal for the prostate to change. These changes may be completely benign, mildly inconvenient, or, less commonly, more serious.
The three most common prostate conditions are:
- Benign Prostatic Enlargement (BPH)
- Prostatitis (inflammation or infection)
- Prostate cancer
Most prostate problems are treatable, and many are manageable with monitoring alone.
Symptoms worth paying attention to
You should consider speaking to your GP, at any age, if you notice:
- Needing to pass urine more often, especially at night
- Difficulty starting to urinate
- A weaker or stop-start urine flow
- A feeling that the bladder hasn’t emptied properly
- Urgency or occasional leakage
- Burning or discomfort when passing urine
- Blood in urine or semen
- Persistent pelvic or lower back discomfort
Symptoms do not reliably indicate cancer. Many men with symptoms have benign conditions, while early prostate cancer may cause no symptoms at all. This is why it’s important to see a GP rather than dismiss your symptoms as “part of growing older”.
When should men consider prostate testing?
You may wish to speak to your GP if:
- You are aged 50 or over
- You are aged 40 or over with higher risk factors
- You have a family history of prostate cancer
- You are of Black African or Black Caribbean heritage – research shows a higher risk of prostate cancer
- You want to test routinely as prevention as part of your health screening routine
There is no automatic screening programme in the UK. Prostate testing is based on individual risk and personal choice. As such, you cannot rely on your NHS GP to reach out routinely about your prostate health – you must be proactive and seek testing, either from the NHS or a private clinic like ours.
What does prostate testing involve?
- PSA blood test: Measures the level of prostate-specific antigen. A raised PSA does not automatically mean cancer.
- Prostate examination: Sometimes recommended to assess size and texture. Always discussed beforehand.
- Stockholm 3 test: a higher sensitivity test for prostate cancer.
Further tests, such as MRI scans or specialist referral, may be recommended if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a PSA test?
No. PSA testing is optional and based on informed choice.
Does a raised PSA mean cancer?
No. Most raised PSA results are due to benign causes.
Should I avoid anything before testing?
Avoid ejaculation and vigorous exercise for 48 hours before a PSA test.
Can prostate problems affect sexual function?
They can, and your GP can discuss this openly.
Prostate health checks are about staying informed, not fearful. If you have symptoms, risk factors, or simply questions, a conversation with your GP can offer reassurance and clarity.
Don’t let society’s taboos get in the way of your optimal health. Prostate health is a fundamental cornerstone of longevity and quality of life. As with most diseases, early detection is key to a positive treatment outcome. Make routine prostate testing part of your health screening and preventative routine.
