Digital rectal exams

Why are so many men afraid of these?

I know some men who won't even go to the doctor to get a physical because they so fear this simple procedure. I know others who will begrudgingly go for a physical every now and then, but draw the line "there."

Is the thought of a lubricated, gloved finger "in there" really more horrible than the idea of having prostate cancer go undetected?

It doesn't hurt, it won't turn a straight man instantly homosexual, and the "worst" part of it all is the slightly greesy feeling you are left with after you hike your pants back up.

I hate to tell you guys, but what they do to you when you have prostate cancer that went late stage before it was detected is a lot worse.

But you may be thinking "I'd just die if my guy friends knew that I let someone (most likely a man) stick their finger up my butt." Guess what? You won't; but you just might if you don't!

Even if the cancer doesn't kill you, there's a good chance that if not caught early, the resulting increased mass of the growth and resulting need for more agressive treatments could leave you unable to achieve an erection or unable to ejaculate.

So, in hindsight (pun fully intented) which is really worse... having a brief digital rectal exam, or the alternative?

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Posted by David at September 21, 2002 07:45 AM