Prostate Tests Are Essential Diagnostic Tools
Uncovering BPH through testing is key to quality of life
As we age many men may encounter prostate health concerns. Those issues may range from the benign to serious conditions. Fortunately, today doctors and other licensed health care providers have the tools to effectively screen you to pinpoint any potential prostate problems.
TESTING AT A GLANCE
Identification of any potential prostate concern can be done by your healthcare practitioner through both physical testing and qualitative query. These results help in getting a complete assessment of your prostate health. Below we will quickly discuss some of these methods.
PSA Test: PSA which stands for Prostate Specific Antigen, is a protein produced by cells in the prostate. The level of amount of PSA protein in the blood is measured in units of mg/ml (milligrams per milliliter). In general PSA levels above 4 mg/ml may be of concern. However, a higher (>4) number does not necessarily by definition indicate serious health problems. Factors such as age or a localized infection or inflammation may cause a higher score. It is important to follow your doctor’s advice upon getting test results.
Digital Rectal Exam: This test entails a trained professional inserting a finger into the anus to feel for abnormality in the prostate such as lumps, swelling etc. This exam is often used in conjunction with the PSA to get a fuller picture of prostate health.
Urine Tests: Urinalysis may identify presence of infection of the prostate or other parts of the urinary system.
Biopsy: A surgical procedure where cells of the prostate are excised and then tested for presence of serious disease, malignancy, etc. This is often the most accurate of tests to verify the presence of serious disease.
Alternative Health Testing Methodologies
Prostate health concerns may also be identified in alternative health models. These techniques differ from orthodox biochemical medical models and offer a fundamentally wider view of your health.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): In TCM, many prostate health concerns are considered Kidney and/or Liver Qi related. A competently trained practitioner may use pulse and/or tongue diagnosis to ascertain the exact nature of the Kidney/Liver Qi issue. The results of testing may indicate Kidney qi yin or yang imbalances. In future posts we will explore in detail how prostate health is viewed within the TCM model.
Applied Kinesiology (AK): Applied Kinesiology is based the theory of connectivity of muscle function/strength to underlying biochemical, physiological, and emotional function. Via relational testing of specific muscles, a diagnosis may be made regarding underlying areas of health. Taken up by many chiropractors, acupuncturist etc, Applied Kinesiology remains a hotly debated practice.
Qualitative Measures
In addition to the above physical procedures, there are a few qualitative survey-based measures which allow men to self-assess the presence or severity of any symptoms. These surveys though qualitative in nature, are based on international standards and are accepted as a part of a total assessment of prostate health.
International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS): IPSS is a typically 8 question survey given to men to assess the severity of prostate symptoms. Each query is meant to ascertain the severity of urinary symptoms over the course of several months. Each answer results in an assigned score. Higher scores indicate more severe symptoms. Based on this score treatments may be recommended. See link to IPSS survey here.
NIH-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI): The CPSI is a 13-question tool developed to assess the severity of symptoms in men with chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome. See our link to the NIH-CPSI here
