Digital rectal exam
A digital (finger) rectal examination checks for abnormalities of organs or other structures in the pelvis and lower abdomen. During a digital rectal exam, a doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger of one hand into the rectum and may use the other hand to press on the lower abdomen or pelvic area.
The exam may be done to check the prostate gland or the uterus and ovaries. The doctor can also feel other structures in the pelvis.
The exam may be done to help identify the cause of symptoms such as rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, abdominal or pelvic pain, a change in bowel habits, or urinary problems.
Why is a digital rectal exam done?
A digital rectal exam (DRE) is done to:
- Check for growths in or enlargement of the prostate gland. 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, 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.
- Check for hemorrhoids or growths, such as cancer, in the rectum. DRE alone is not used to diagnose colorectal cancer. Also, a DRE may not find internal hemorrhoids because they are soft and hard to feel. A sigmoidoscopy may be needed to diagnose internal hemorrhoids.
How is a digital rectal exam done?
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.
How do you prepare for a digital rectal exam?
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.
What do the results of a digital rectal exam mean?
Normal: | No problems such as organ enlargements or growths are felt. |
|---|---|
Abnormal: | Problems such as organ enlargements or growths are felt. |
| The prostate gland may be enlarged. This may mean benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) or inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis). Tumors are felt. | |
| Growths such as tumors of the cervix, uterus, or ovaries are felt. | |
| Growths such as hemorrhoids, polyps, tumors, or abscesses may be found in the lower rectum. Breaks in the skin around the anus (anal fissures) may be found. Problems of the bladder may also be felt. |
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