Male Reproductive System Diagnostic Procedures

Question 1

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)

Answer 1

Blood test to screen for prostate cancer. Elevated blood levels of PSA are associated with prostate cancer

Question 2

Semen Analysis

Answer 2

Procedure used when performing a fertility workup to determine if the male is able to produce sperm. Semen is collected by the patient after abstaining from sexual intercourse for a period of 3-5 days. The sperm in the semen are analyzed for number, swimming strength, and shape. Also used to determine if a vasectomy has been successful. After a period of 6 weeks, no further sperm should be present in a sample from the patient

Question 3

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)

Answer 3

Manual examination for an enlarged prostate gland performed by palpating (feeling) the prostate gland through the wall of the rectum