A rectal examination or rectal exam is an internal examination of the rectum by a physician.
The digital rectal examination (DRE) is the simplest procedure. The patient is placed in a position where the anus is accessible and relaxed (lying on the side, squatting on the examination table, bent over the examination table, etc). The physician inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum through the anus and palpates the insides.
This examination may be used:
for the diagnosis of appendicitis (a sharp pain experienced when the physician presses a certain spot indicates acute appendicitis);
A digital (finger) rectal examination is done to check for problems with organs or other structures in the pelvis and lower belly.
It is done for women as part of a gynecological examination to check the uterus and ovaries.
Help find the cause of symptoms such as rectal bleeding (blood in the stool), belly or pelvic pain, a change in urination, or a change in bowel habits.
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