Don’t fear the prostate exam

Dear Pastor,

I am a 65-year-old married man and, in recent times, I have been facing some personal challenges.

I urinate frequently and it is embarrassing. I can't travel any long distance without stopping to urinate. Recently, I had to go on a long journey. My son decided that he would take me. His girlfriend said she would accompany us, and she brought along one of her sisters.

My son knows my problem, but when we stopped for the third time, his girlfriend questioned why we had to stop again. I was embarrassed, but my son simply said, "Dad has to stop."

I have never liked going to the doctor, but I was forced to do so since I have been having this problem. When I went to see my doctor, he referred me to a specialist and I had to do that 'finger test' that I have always said I would not do. I discovered that it was nothing to be afraid of, and the urologist told me that I had a large prostate, but I can be treated for it.

I told my son that he should explain to his girlfriend what is happening to me. She is an intelligent girl and she has been so concerned about me. I am open to any option as directed by my doctor. Surgery is expensive, but if that is what I have to do, I am quite willing. I want to say to all my brothers, go and get checked out, because I understand that any man who is 40 years old should have his prostate checked every year. I can tell anybody that it is nothing to be afraid of. I didn't want any doctor doing to me what is unnecessary, but now I know better. So I am spreading the word to all men to have their prostates checked every year.

Thank you for reading this letter, and please help to spread the news.

E.F.

Dear E.F.,

Thank you for writing. Some men do joke about the test with the finger. Some men say that they want to go back to God as virgins.

They mean that if the doctor inserts his finger in their rectum, the doctor would have taken their virginity. Of course, that is a big joke. I am glad that you are under the doctor's care. You have done what is right, and I hope that all will go well for you. All a man needs to know is that this thing called the prostate can be so large that it will obstruct even his urination. The earlier he gets tested, it is the better for him. I need not tell you that the doctor will give you the guidance that you need. I wish you well.

Pastor