Proatate Checking

[Shelly Maree]

This is possibly on many other posts, but here is my story or reason.

I received an e-mail from my brother (my only family member who will acknowledge or knows I am still alive), stating that our father has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer. The family were given details together regarding that all siblings should be checked and screened asap due to the agression of this cancer growing and spreading so quickly, regardless of their age. This brother is younger than me and he was told to be checked even though he is young to be checked at 34 years.

This is something I have never thought about, regardless of the family situation, at any medical check this has never been brought up. At general checkups, my doctor checks everything including breasts and an internal downstairs, but it has never been discussed and I consider my doctor does a good job and knows all my history including all surgies.

Next step I phoned to make an appointment and discuss this with my doctor, but he is away on a study course/training for 4 weeks. The reception offered to schedule me with another doctor in the clinic, but I declined and opted to wait until my doctor returned (just a self confidence reaction), anyway MY QUESTION IS, have any girls here had such a check or has it ever been offered. I did some internet reading (probably stupied for medical) where the prostate is checked from an anal inspection or monitered by blood. Then I read the symptoms, which I do not appear to have any. I will have a chat to my doctor upon his return and move foward from there, but any feedback would be appreciated

Thanks xx

Shelly

[kelly_aus]

I've had both the old-style "digital" exam and the blood test - I'm 41. TBH, when my gyno did the digital check, I looked in the eye and said "I usually like dinner and a movie before I get that intimate." She laughed.

It's not super horrific, just uncomfortable. The blood test was done as just another part of my regular blood work, so no big deal for me.

[JeanetteLW]

I just had a PSA test in my last set of labs along with the added hormone level tests my doctor order when I came out to him. For me though they may have be just part of my routine labs tests because of my history with cancer.  Anyway I passed.

  Hugs
    Jeanette

[KathyLauren]

I had my first prostate exam when I was 19 and joined the Air Force.  It was just routine, and it has been part of my checkups ever since.  All AMAB people, whether cis or trans should be getting their prostate checked regularly.

The doc who is supervising my HRT told me that the PSA blood test is meaningless once you start on blockers and E.  So she recommends the digital-rectal exam should be done regularly.

[AnneK]

I've had both the old-style "digital" exam and the blood test - I'm 41.

I had both tests as part of my physical yesterday.

[Dena]

Aaahhhh, there is something not mentioned. The prostate examine takes on a new dimension when you are post surgical. The doctor can use the other hole for the examine and from what I understand, the feel is better because it's closer. Very few doctors can say they examined a prostate through the vagina.

[Joelene9]

  Prostate checking is a must, if your PSA was already high as mine was before HRT, or in your case, your dad has it. I had the digital exam, which was not pleasant. In my case, the HRT with Spiro did lower my PSA in the past 5 years. However, the HRT regimen will decrease the chance of the castrate portion of prostate cancer, but not the non-castrate type, which usually occurs coincidentally with this type of cancer. My brother has had 2 surgeries with the last to remove the prostate completely after his cancer relapsed. Me and my brother may be DES sons, that increases the chances of prostate problems, with no known family history or known DNA markers of this cancer.
  My PSA was low 6 months ago when my doctor took me off of the regimen completely for edema of the feet and ankles. A new set of tests for everything are due this month. Remember, there is still a lot of false positives and false negatives with the PSA tests! A high PSA could also indicate an infection or other irritation.
  SNEAK PEEK update: Since I been on no medication whatsoever in the past 6 months with no return of the gender dysphoria and the depression it entailed! That may take another 6 months to a year to evaluate as from the anecdotal evidence from this forum and other sources of those de-transitioning. The neuropathy of the feet and ankles has not spread since that med infusion stopped a year ago but I still have severe non-treatable night pain at times from the nerves already damaged. It takes awhile for us 60+'s to heal from long-term nerve damage. I still have problems getting up from the ground. The downside is that the Neanderthal body hair has returned, dammit! I had smooth legs and hairless boobs without shaving!

Joelene

[KayXo]

In the scientific literature, only 6 cases of prostate cancer were reported in transsexual women although there may be under-reporting. In most cases, the women started HRT after the age of 40 and had had SRS, only one had started much earlier, at 19. Two women had no family history of prostate cancer. Three were saved with treatment, two died. Diagnosis was made between 60-78 yrs old.

PSA is not reliable as two of these people had very low levels (under 0.2 ng/ml). A digital rectal or neovaginal exam and biopsy (transneovaginal or rectal) should be indicated. Also, abdominal CT scan or MRI in certain cases. Based on the above, it would seem prudent to start checking at the age of 60 yrs although a team of specialists in treating transsexual women recommend age 50.

[Shelly Maree]

Thanks Dena, Yes I am post surgical down below, 10 years now. I did read that the check is now done via the vaginal canal, but possibly still checked both ways, not sure. I think that is why I backed off when I found that my doctor is away. He has been my doctor for approx 6 years now and I am very comfortable with him and my body. Although I don't no about prostate checking as it has never been mentioned, the again I have never asked and condidering my age I am still in the normal non checking period.

But I am still interestd to hear all answers for girls surgery or non surgery how this effects our lives as a girl with a prostate

Thanks
Shelly

[JeanetteLW]

   I commented on this above and mentioned I think a PSA test is part of my norm battery of labs each year at least. It could also be done because of my history with cancer. Again because of my cancer my prostrate is looked at 3 - 4 times a year when my CT scans are done. I remember my oncologist mentioning once it looked slightly enlarged.
  So I think I've got that worry covered. (among several others) I'm just happy every time they tell me they didn't find any cancer.

  Hugs,
    Jeanette