A digital (finger) rectal examination is done to check for problems with organs or other structures in the pelvis and lower belly. During the examination, the doctor gently puts a lubricated, gloved finger of one hand into the rectum, Opens dialog. The doctor may use the other hand to press on the lower belly or pelvic area.
Check for growths in or enlargement of the prostate gland, Opens dialog. A tumor in the prostate can often be felt as a hard lump. This may be done as part of a regular examination or to check on symptoms, such as a change in urination. Not all problems of the prostate can be felt through the rectum.
Check for problems in the reproductive organs, Opens dialog, such as the uterus and ovaries. It may also be done to check on symptoms, such as pelvic pain or vaginal bleeding.
Help find the cause of symptoms such as rectal bleeding (blood in the stool), belly or pelvic pain, a change in urination, or a change in bowel habits.
In general, there is nothing you need to do to prepare for a digital rectal exam. If you have hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or rectal pain, tell your doctor before the exam begins. Your exam may be postponed.
Information about Digital Rectal Examination
For a digital rectal exam, you will take off your clothes below the waist. You will be given a gown to wear.
You might stand during the exam, bending forward at the waist and resting your forearms on the exam table. Or you might lie on your left side with your knees bent and pulled up toward your chest.
Sometimes the exam is done at the same time as a vaginal exam. In this case, you may be lying on your back with your feet supported by footrests for the rectal exam.
Your doctor gently puts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum. The doctor may use the other hand to press on the lower belly or pelvic area to feel for tenderness or problems, such as enlargement, hardness, or growths.
You may feel some discomfort during a digital rectal exam (DRE).
Your doctor must press firmly on the internal organs to feel for problems. This pressure may make you feel the need to urinate. The examination may be painful if there are some problems with the organs.
People with hemorrhoids, breaks in the skin around the anus, Opens dialog (called anal fissures, Opens dialog), or other anal sores may find a DRE more painful than people without these problems. You can talk with your doctor about postponing the exam.
There is very little chance of having a problem from this test.
Digital rectal exam
Normal:
No problems such as organ enlargements or growths are felt.
Abnormal:
Problems such as organ enlargements or growths are felt.
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review Board All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
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