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What You Should Know About Digital Rectal ExamWhy Is the Digital Rectal Exam Performed? The DRE is performed to detect abnormalities in the lower pelvis. A number of important anatomic male structures are located in the lower pelvis including the prostate and the rectum/lower colon. By examining them, many abnormalities that have not been revealed by blood tests (like the PSA test) or imaging tests (like CT or MRI exams), can be detected How Is the Digital Rectal Exam Performed? The entire investigation usually takes only a few seconds. But you need some preparations first. So, you will be asked to remove any clothing below the waist. You may also invited to wear a hospital gown. Then, you will be asked either to bend over at the waist with your hands on the examining table or to lay on your left side with your knees drawn up toward your chest. On one hand, both of these positions allow for better examination. On the other hand you will have an improved comfort during the test. Next, your doctor will put a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum and properly examine the prostate by applying a firm pressure to the gland. When the prostate has been thoroughly examined, the test is complete. The entire exam usually takes only a few seconds. What Do I Need to Do Prior to a Digital Rectal Exam? There is nothing that you need to do prior to a digital rectal exam. You can act normally (eat, work, exercise, and so on) prior to this exam. Potential Risks or Side Effects The digital rectal exam is somewhat uncomfortable, but not painful. However, if the prostate gland is inflamed due to a condition such as prostatitis, the exam can be somewhat painful. Because of firm pressure that needs to be applied to the prostate during the investigation, you to feel the need to urinate immediately, but this sensation typically passes once the exam is completed. If you have hemorrhoids or other rectal problems, you may have a very small amount of bleeding after the investigation is done, but most men have no bleeding. In very rare occasions the uncomfortable nature of the investigation could cause you to have a vasovagal response. If this occurs, you may feel very lightheaded or possibly even faint. NOTE: Issues on this site regarding prostate cancer and treatment options, are provided for information only, and are not meant to substitute for the advice of your own physician or other medical professional. Prostate-Report.org does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment. |
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