While performing a self-exam on your prostate  isn’t simple, it could wind up saving your life by catching prostate cancer early on. Below, we list some advice on how to check your prostate gland.

First, you need to know about the prostate gland. This is a small, walnut-sized object located right behind your rectum wall. Tubes pass through the prostate gland and carry urine and seminal fluid. Thus, the prostate gland is essential for both waste delivery and procreation.

How To Check Your Prostate Gland – Stage 1

For you to check your prostate, you’ll need to insert a finger into your rectum; however, because the anus walls are so delicate, you must use some kind of lubrication to avoid rupturing them. Finally, it’s recommended that you use some kind of surgical glove because it will allow you to more easily feel the prostate.

If this is the first time you’ve tried to self-check your prostate gland, you may not be able to tell what you’re feeling. Thus, it could be a good idea for you to wait until your next physician’s appointment at which time he or she can walk you through the process. (Alternatively, your doctor may tell you that it’s not necessary for you to perform this kind of self-exam.)

How to Check Your Prostate Gland – Another Option

Another way you can check your prostate gland is to be conscious of your bladder and bowel functions. Are you having trouble urinating? Is it difficult to have a bowel movement? Have you noticed blood in your urine, even only on occasion?

Have you had trouble getting or maintaining an erection? These can all be signs that something is wrong with your prostate (though that doesn’t necessarily mean you have prostate cancer; an enlarged prostate can cause those concerns, too.)

In the end, by being diligent and listening to your body, you can “check up” when you know how to check your prostate gland.