Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)

Results

A digital (finger) rectal examination is done to check for problems of organs or other structures in the pelvis and lower belly. During the examination, a health professional gently puts a lubricated, gloved finger of one hand into the rectum.

Digital rectal exam

Normal:	No problems such as organ enlargements or growths are felt.
Abnormal:	Problems such as organ enlargements or growths are felt.
	For men, the prostate gland may be enlarged. This may mean benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) or inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis). Tumors are felt.
	For women, 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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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: November 28, 2006
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
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