Embarrassment during prostate exam

I am having urinary incontinence and realize I need to see a urologist.  I am a 44 year old male and I haven't had a prostate exam in four years.  However, I often suffer from constipation and am worried that when the doctor checks my prostate that he will get his gloved hands dirty.  I have thought about taking a laxative the night before my appointment but I still worry.  Whenever I poke around in there, I am not sure if I am in the right direction and my fingers become a mess.  Is this common during an examination?  I am too embarrassed to ask my regular doctor and can't find any information like it on the Internet.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

A someone who does several rectal exams per day, it is not uncommon for the gloves to become dirty after a prostate exam.  There is no need to take a laxative prior to a digital rectal exam.  

Your physician should be experienced and professional enough for this issue to be of little consequence.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b

[Michael MRM]

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[hardon]

A related discussion, prostate exam. was started.