Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 09/2020

A digital rectal exam (DRE) is a test that examines a person's lower rectum, pelvis, and lower belly. This test can help your doctor check for cancer and other health problems, including:

When would I need a DRE?

A doctor may do a DRE as part of a routine medical examination. Or you may need a DRE if you have symptoms such as:

  • Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool

  • A change in bowel habits

  • Discharge or bleeding from the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body

  • A change in how your urine flows

About the rectum

The rectum is a part of your digestive system. The digestive system processes the food your body does not use. The colon is the biggest part of your large intestine. It empties into the rectum, where waste collects as bowel movements. The rectum empties into the anus, where bowel movements leave the body.

The drawing below shows the different parts of the colon and rectum.

This illustration shows the 5 sections of the colon and rectum. The ascending colon is the beginning the large intestine into which the small intestine empties; it begins on the lower right side of the abdomen and then leads up to the transverse colon. The transverse colon crosses the top of the abdomen from right to left, leading to the descending colon, which takes waste down the left side. Finally, the sigmoid colon at the bottom takes waste a few more inches, down to the rectum. A cross-section of the rectum and sigmoid colon shows where waste leaves the body, through the anus. Copyright 2004 American Society of Clinical Oncology. Robert Morreale/Visual Explanations, LLC.

What kind of doctor will I see for a DRE?

A primary care doctor or a gynecologist usually does a DRE. A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in the health of women's reproductive system. Other types of doctors, including gastroenterologists, surgeons, and oncologists may do DREs. A gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. An oncologist is a doctor who treats cancer.

How do I get ready for a DRE?

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for a DRE. But there are a few things to keep in mind.

  • Tell your health care team if you have hemorrhoids or anal fissures. The DRE may make them worse.

  • If you are concerned about the cost of your DRE, find out from your insurance provider what costs they will cover beforehand. Ask how much of the cost you will have to pay out of pocket.

  • You will be asked to sign a consent form before your DRE. The form will state that you understand the benefits and risks of the DRE and agree to have the test. Your doctor or nurse will explain the test before you sign the form, and you can ask questions.

What happens during a DRE?

The DRE will take place in a private exam room at your doctor's office. The test only takes a few minutes. You will need to take off any clothes below your waist. You will be given a gown to wear or a cloth to wrap around your body.

For men. The doctor will ask you to stand and bend forward at the waist or they will ask you to lie on your side on an exam table with knees pulled up to your chest. As they start the DRE, the doctor may ask you to relax and take a deep breath. Then they will gently insert a lubricated, gloved finger into your rectum. The doctor will feel the size of your prostate gland. They will also feel for bumps, soft or hard spots, or other abnormal areas. The doctor will also examine the wall of your lower colon and rectum.

For women. The doctor will usually ask you to lie on your back on an exam table. Your feet will be in raised stirrups. The doctor may ask you to relax and take a deep breath as they start the DRE. Then they will gently insert a lubricated, gloved finger into your rectum. The goal is to feel your reproductive organs and the bowel. The doctor may also feel for problems in your internal organs. They do this by pressing on your lower abdomen or pelvic area with their other hand.

A DRE usually does not hurt, but you may be uncomfortable. You may also feel the need to urinate. If a man's prostate is enlarged, there may be some discomfort or mild pain during the exam.

What happens after a DRE?

After your DRE, you can go back to your normal activities right away. You may bleed slightly from the rectum afterward. This is more likely to happen if you have hemorrhoids or anal fissures.

Tell your health care team if you have a large amount of rectal bleeding.

Questions to ask your health care team

Before having a DRE, you may want to ask these questions:

  • Why do you recommend that I have a DRE?

  • What happens during the DRE?

  • Who will do the DRE?

  • How long will the DRE take?

  • Will it hurt?

  • Can a DRE find cancer?

  • When and how will I get my test results?

  • Who will explain them to me?

  • Will I need more tests, such as a colonoscopy or a barium enema, if the DRE suggests cancer?

Related Resources

Cancer Screening

Prostate Cancer

Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Peritoneal Cancer

Uterine Cancer

More Information

MedlinePlus: Digital Rectal Exam