A digital rectal exam (DRE) is a quick and painless procedure where a doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the anus to check for growths, abnormalities, or collect a stool sample. It can also be used to palpate other organs. Discomfort may occur, and abnormal results may require further testing.
A digital rectal exam (DRE) is an exam in which a doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the anus. This exam is usually done as part of a larger physical exam and workup. Many people associate it with prostate checkups, and that’s really a common reason for a digital rectal exam to be done, but there are a few other settings where this exam can be used. There is no risk to this exam and it is usually over quickly.
In a prostate exam, your doctor does DRE to check for signs of growths or abnormalities in your rectum. A doctor may also use a digital rectal exam to palpate other organs, including areas of the female reproductive tract. Also, the test is sometimes done to check for hemorrhoids, to evaluate the cause of bleeding from the rectum, or to collect a stool sample. Before procedures such as colonoscopies, a digital rectal exam is done to make sure the rectum is clear.
In this procedure, the patient may be asked to fully undress and put on an exam gown, or the patient’s shirt may be left on while the pants or skirts are removed. The exam can be performed on a patient standing and bent over or a patient lying down, depending on your preference and the reason for the exam. The doctor gloves and lubricates before examining the area around the anus and then instructing the patient to take a deep breath and exhale as the finger is inserted.
Some people experience discomfort during a digital rectal exam, especially if they have hemorrhoids, cancerous growths, or areas of inflammation and irritation in and around the rectum. Doctors generally try to conduct the examination as quickly as possible and try to avoid causing discomfort to their patients. Patients should definitely tell the doctor if the exam is causing pain, as this can be an important clinical sign.
The doctor may also palpate the abdomen with the other hand during a digital rectal exam, again depending on why the test is being done. After the exam, some patients experience light bleeding, usually because they have hemorrhoids that were irritated by the exam. If the test results were abnormal, your doctor may recommend further tests to learn more about your situation. Normal results may indicate that no further action is needed or that other tests are needed to find out why a patient is having symptoms such as bloody stools.
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