Prostate Exam, Digital Rectal Exam, DRE

Prostate exam with a digital rectal exam (DRE) is a method our urologists use to feel with their finger for early prostate cancer detection. What is a prostate exam? Prostate exams require you to take off your clothes below the waist and put on a gown. Men are usually examined while standing and bending forward. Some men are examined as they lie on their side with knees bent in a fetal-type position. One of our doctors will then cover their hand with a glove and lubricate their finger, which they will insert into your rectum. This allows him to reach the prostate and feel for any lumps or anything that may be abnormal.

Prostate exam with a digital rectal exam (DRE) is used to detect prostate tumors or an enlarged prostate, a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. A swollen prostate may also be the result of prostatitis due to inflammation from a prostate infection. Our doctors may also need to feel for tenderness, any enlarged or swollen areas, hard areas, or growths by pressing on your lower belly or pelvic area. A prostate DRE is very quick but can provide our doctors with enough information to proceed with further testing if necessary.

During a DRE, our urology specialists have to press down firmly on the prostate, which could cause you to feel some discomfort. Pain may arise if you have an enlarged prostate gland or a prostate that is irritated. Because of the pressure, you may also feel like you have to urinate. If you have hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or anal sores prior to the exam, you might feel more pain than normal. With these additional problems, you may actually experience some rectal bleeding but these instances are rare. Occasionally patients may become lightheaded and faint because of fear or due to vagal nerve stimulation lowering heart rate and blood pressure this is known as a vasovagal reaction or vasovagal syncope.

If any abnormalities are discovered, our doctors will order additional tests to pinpoint the correct diagnosis. Some of these additional tests may include a test for blood in your stool or a transrectal ultrasound and prostate biopsy. This will allow our doctors to test tissue samples and look closer for any cells that might be cancerous.

Prostate exam with a digital rectal exam (DRE) is recommended for men ages 50 and older, according to the American Cancer Society. If you are younger than 50 but at high risk, your doctor may suggest you also receive the exam. Conducting a digital rectal exam is routinely done with a PSA blood test as a prostate cancer check. This gives our doctors a greater chance for a correct diagnosis of prostate cancer or a determination that any abnormality is not cancerous.

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