If you just rolled your eyes or whispered 'ew' in your head, take a breath. We're going there. Because even if you don't have a prostate, you probably love, live with, or tolerate someone who does- and when it starts acting up, it can mess with way more than just their bathroom schedule. It can be life or death in your ‘taint.
And let's be real: prostate health is wrapped in silence, shame, and straight-up confusion. Like, we mostly just pretend it’s not a thing. That ends now.
WTF Even *Is* a Prostate?
It's a walnut-sized gland that lives just below the bladder in people assigned male at birth. It should feel like touching the tip of your nose- firm, smooth. Its job? Making the fluid that helps sperm swim like they're late to brunch. Cool biology fact, sure-but here's the not-so-cute reality: once someone hits their 40s or 50s, that tiny gland can become a big pain in the ass. Literally. (It also has the potential to provide mind-blowing orgasms all by its own little self, so cozy up if you’re so inclined and consented to do so!)
Enlarged prostate (aka BPH), prostatitis (which can happen at any age!), and prostate cancer are incredibly common. But thanks to stigma, toxic masculinity, and the 'if it ain't falling off, don't fix it' attitude, a lot of people ignore the signs.
And that silence? It kills.
Red Flags You Shouldn't Ignore (Yes, Even If He Says He's Fine )
These symptoms are not 'just getting older.' They're signals of dysfunction. And, you deserve to understand them-especially if the system keeps brushing you off or talking over your head.
PSA (the Test *and* the Announcement)
PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen, and a blood test can tell you if those levels are out of whack. It's not perfect (because, you know, medicine isn't magic), but it's a solid first step in catching problems early.
Still hearing, 'I don't want a finger up my butt'? Cool. Let them know the PSA test doesn't require that. And also? Grow up. If a five-second rectal exam could save your life, it's worth the awkward. (Don’t even get me started on pelvic exams for vaginas…grumblegrumblegrumble…this is about YOU!) My own sweet uncle DIED because he ignored his symptoms and then dropped through the cracks once he did speak up about his concerns. He was prescribed several courses of antibiotics for blood in his urine without actually doing a work-up for the problem. My dad/his brother almost fell into the same bucket not long after, but he grudgingly acquiesced to the rectal exam and bought himself another decade of life, so don’t even go THERE with me. Neither of their PSA levels were near the abnormal, and yet lookitwhathappened! So, bend over.
So, What Can You *Do* About It?
If you or someone you love is dealing with any of the symptoms above, here's your no-BS action plan:
Because guess what? Advocating for your partner, your dad, your bruh, or yourself doesn't make you annoying. It makes you alive.
Final Truth Bomb:
You don't have to have a prostate to care about prostate health. In fact, we need more people speaking up, asking questions, and demanding better care-especially for the folks who've been taught to 'tough it out' until it's too late.
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Ready to stop letting shame and silence win?
Book your damn appointment.
Still confused? Let's make sense of it together.
#drcariffs #getyourshittogether
