Digital Rectal Exam

A digital rectal exam (DRE) is a lower body examination completed by a gynecologist or primary care physician. This exam is used to check for problems in the lower stomach or pelvic region in women. In men, the digital rectal exam is most commonly used to check for problems with the prostate gland. Prostate cancer is the third most common cancer in men in the United States after skin and lung cancer. (Eldridge, 2014). A digital rectal exam is performed as part of a routine gynecological exam in women. The American Urological Association recommends a first-time test at age 40, with the schedule of follow-up testing to be determined on an individual basis. Typically men have this test at age 50 and then every 5-10 years. (American Cancer Society. American Urological Association, 2012).
As mentioned before, a digital rectal exam in females is performed along with a pelvic exam. The doctor will insert a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for any abnormalities in the reproductive organs or bowel. This is achieved by having the doctor apply slight pressure on the lower stomach with their free hand. In men, the doctor will gently insert a lubricated gloved finger into the rectum as well. The goal of this is to check the size of the prostate as well as check the wall of the rectum for abnormalities such as bumps and soft or hard spots. (American Society of Clinical Oncology, 2014). In both men and women there might be slight discomfort during the examination, but the test shouldn’t be painful. If irregularities are found during the exam, additional tests may occur such as a colonoscopy or a prostate specific antigen test to rule out colon or prostate cancer. After having a digital rectal exam most people are able to go on with their normal activities so there really aren’t any risks to having the test. However, this test is very beneficial to people who have a family history of prostate and colon cancer as well as Crohn’s disease.
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