How to check your prostate yourself?

Can You Check Your Own Prostate at Home?

Many men wonder if it’s possible to check their own prostate, especially as they get older and become more aware of their health. The short answer? No — not really. While self-awareness is important, the prostate gland is simply too deeply located in the body to be properly assessed on your own.

Positioned just below the bladder and in front of the rectum, the prostate can only be felt through a specific physical examination. This is why doctors perform a digital rectal exam (DRE), typically with you lying on your side, knees drawn up. During this quick check, a healthcare provider uses a lubricated gloved finger to feel the gland for any abnormalities in size, shape, or texture.

The anatomy alone makes it impractical — without proper training and positioning, you won’t get an accurate sense of what’s going on. More importantly, you could risk injury or misinterpret normal sensations as something serious (or vice versa).

Instead of attempting a self-check, focus on knowing the signs that should prompt a visit to your doctor: frequent urination, trouble starting or stopping urine flow, pain during urination or ejaculation, or persistent discomfort in the pelvic area. These symptoms don’t always mean prostate disease, but they’re worth evaluating.

Regular check-ups, especially if you're over 50 or have a family history of prostate issues, are your best defense. Some men may also benefit from a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test, depending on risk factors.

Bottom line: while it's great to be proactive, leave the actual prostate exam to the professionals. Your health is too important to rely on a DIY approach.