This is where your GP feels your prostate through the wall of your back passage (rectum). If your prostate is hard or lumpy, this could be a sign of prostate cancer. Read more about having a DRE. Try to avoid this for a week before having a PSA test.įind out more about the PSA test, including what to do if you have trouble getting one.
Lots of things can affect your PSA level, including being the receptive partner in anal sex (bottom) or having your prostate stimulated. This is a blood test that measures the amount of a protein called prostate specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. A raised PSA level may suggest you have a problem with your prostate, but not necessarily cancer. But this page has information on things to be aware of if you have anal sex or have your prostate stimulated. Tests for diagnosing prostate cancer are the same for everyone. Read about ways to talk about your sexuality with health professionals. It may be helpful to let your medical team know if you’re gay or bisexual, so they can give you the support and information that is right for you. Talking about your sexuality with your medical team But you may have a partner who has, or is at risk of getting, prostate cancer.įor more general information about prostate cancer, you can read our information on signs and symptoms or things that can increase your risk of prostate cancer. If you’re a gay or bisexual trans man (assigned female at birth but identify as a man) you will not have a prostate so you are not at risk of getting prostate cancer. We’ve included information that may be relevant to you, and about the support available. But if you’re gay, bisexual or a man who has sex with men, you might have some specific questions or concerns.
Prostate cancer isn’t more common in gay or bisexual men, or in men who have anal sex, and it’s treated in the same way.