What is the typical feel of a normal prostate on digital rectal examination?

What is the typical feel of a normal prostate on digital rectal examination?

• A. Between a walnut and a golf ball depending on age
• B. The size of a lemon
• C. The size of a grape
• D. The size of an orange

Answer: (A)

On a digital rectal exam, a normal prostate should feel smooth, firm, and non-tender, with a size described best as walnut-sized in younger men and potentially closer to golf-ball size in older men, while still being symmetrical and without nodules. The emphasis is on a consistent, rubbery texture and smooth contour; if it were markedly larger (lemon or orange size) or irregular or tender, that would raise concern for pathology. The range from walnut to golf ball reflects natural variation with age while keeping the feel of a healthy gland.

On a digital rectal exam, a normal prostate should feel smooth, firm, and non-tender, with a size described best as walnut-sized in younger men and potentially closer to golf-ball size in older men, while still being symmetrical and without nodules. The emphasis is on a consistent, rubbery texture and smooth contour; if it were markedly larger (lemon or orange size) or irregular or tender, that would raise concern for pathology. The range from walnut to golf ball reflects natural variation with age while keeping the feel of a healthy gland.