Which diagnostic tool is typically used for assessing prostate health?

The digital rectal exam (DRE) combined with the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is the standard approach for assessing prostate health. During a DRE, a healthcare provider can manually check for abnormalities in the prostate, such as lumps or changes in size and texture, which may indicate conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer. The PSA test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood, which can be elevated in various prostate conditions, including infections, BPH, and prostate cancer. The combination of these two tools allows for a more comprehensive evaluation, helping to guide further diagnostic and treatment decisions.

In contrast, transrectal ultrasound is primarily used for imaging the prostate and guiding biopsies but is not typically a first-line assessment tool. Computed tomography (CT) scans are more often used for imaging and assessing the spread of cancer rather than initial prostate health evaluation. A pelvic ultrasound, while useful for examining pelvic structures, is not the primary tool used for prostate health assessment. Therefore, the combination of DRE and PSA testing is the most effective and commonly used method for assessing prostate health among the options provided.