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A digital rectal exam (DRE) is quick and easy way to check the health of the rectum, prostate, and pelvis
During a digital rectal exam (DRE), your doctor inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into your rectum to check for problems including prostate enlargement, tenderness, or lumps. It is a quick and easy way to check the health of the rectum, prostate, and pelvis.
What to expect during a digital rectal exam
Before the procedure
- Inform your doctor if you have hemorrhoids or anal fissures.
- You may be asked to sign a consent form stating that you understand the benefits and risks of the DRE and agree to have the test.
- Local anesthetic may be used to numb the area.
During the procedure
- You may be asked to lie down on your left side with your knees pulled up to your chest, as this is the preferred position to examine the perineum and rectum.
- Your doctor will gently insert lubricated, gloved finger facing anteriorly into your rectum and palpate the rectal wall for masses, nodules, and tenderness.
- From the anterior position, the finger is rotated clockwise to the posterior position, then returned to the anterior position.
- A DRE usually does not hurt, but it may cause you some discomfort.
After the procedure
- After the DRE, you can resume your normal activities right away.
- People with hemorrhoids or anal fissures are more likely to bleed slightly after the procedure.
Why is a digital rectal exam performed?
A digital rectal exam can help your doctor check for health problems such as:
- Prostate cancer in men
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (noncancerous enlargement of prostate)
- Abnormal mass in the anus or rectum (rectal tumor)
- Uterine cancer or ovarian cancer in women (along with a vaginal examination)
- Function of the anal sphincter in the case of fecal incontinence
- Hemorrhoids (swollen veins in the anus or rectum)
- Abnormalities between the rectum and the vagina in women
A DRE may also be performed to obtain fecal samples for a fecal occult blood test or as part of a routine medical examination. It may be ordered if you present with symptoms such as:
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stools
- Pain in the anal area
- Change in bowel habits (frequent diarrhea or constipation)
- Bowel incontinence
- Discharge or bleeding from the urethra
- Change in urinary flow
If your doctor detects an abnormality or a suspicious lump during the exam, further testing may be ordered, which may include a biopsy, proctoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy.
Who should not get a digital rectal exam?
Contraindications for a DRE include the following:
- Immunocompromised patients (risk of infection)
- Severe anal pain
- Imperforate anus
- Prolapsed thrombosed internal hemorrhoids
- Stricture
- Absence of anus
- Acute abdomen
- Coagulopathy
- Major rectal trauma
- Post anal surgery
- Recent acute myocardial infarction
- Valvular heart disease or prosthetic valves
What are possible complications of a digital rectal exam?
Possible complications of a DRE include the following:
- Discomfort and pain
- Tearing of the perianal skin
- Abrasion of hemorrhoidal tissues
- Infection
