How many fingers in a rectal exam

It is often done during a regular pelvic examination and Pap test. It may also be done to check on symptoms, such as pelvic pain or vaginal bleeding. 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. Check for hemorrhoids or growths, such as cancer, in the rectum.

DRE alone is not used to diagnose colorectal cancer. Also, a DRE may not find internal hemorrhoids because they are soft and hard to feel. A sigmoidoscopy may be needed to diagnose internal hemorrhoids. How To Prepare If you have hemorrhoids, tell your doctor before the examination begins. How It Is Done For a digital rectal exam, you will take off your clothes below the waist. A man is often examined while he stands, bending forward at the waist.

A man can also be examined while lying on his left side, with his knees bent toward his chest. A woman is often examined while lying on her back on an examination table, with her feet raised and supported by stirrups. A rectovaginal exam is often done for women so that organs in the pelvic area can be checked. But a digital rectal exam also can be done with a woman lying on her left side, especially if a pelvic exam is not done at the same time. Risks A small amount of bleeding from the rectum may occur after an examination, especially if hemorrhoids or anal fissures are present.

Results Digital rectal exam Normal: No problems such as organ enlargements or growths are felt. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Top of the page.

Test Overview A digital finger rectal examination may be done to check for problems with organs or other structures in the pelvis and lower belly. A tumour in the prostate can often be felt as a hard lump. This may be done as part of a regular examination or to check on symptoms, such as a change in urination. Not all problems of the prostate can be felt through the rectum. Check for problems in a woman's reproductive organs , such as the uterus and ovaries.

It is often done during a regular pelvic examination and Pap test. It may also be done to check on symptoms, such as pelvic pain or vaginal bleeding. 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. Check for hemorrhoids or growths, such as cancer, in the rectum. DRE alone is not used to diagnose colorectal cancer. Also, a DRE may not find internal hemorrhoids because they are soft and hard to feel.

A sigmoidoscopy may be needed to diagnose internal hemorrhoids. How To Prepare If you have hemorrhoids, tell your doctor before the examination begins. 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. 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. Will I need more tests, such as a colonoscopy or a barium enema , if the DRE suggests cancer?

Cancer Screening. Prostate Cancer. Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Peritoneal Cancer. Uterine Cancer. MedlinePlus: Digital Rectal Exam. This test can help your doctor check for cancer and other health problems, including: Prostate cancer in men An abnormal mass in the anus or rectum Uterine cancer or ovarian cancer in women, along with a vaginal examination When would I need a DRE?

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 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. It is important in all cases to explain the reasons for the examination see 'Preparing for the examination', below and to obtain verbal consent.

Examples of indications for examination include:. The findings are described by convention according to the clock face in the lithotomy position. This is a distressing examination for children and should be avoided. There are few absolute indications. When deemed essential, it may be appropriate to use the fifth rather than index finger. Rectal examination is often required in elderly patients because symptoms and disease arise more often in elderly patients.

The left lateral position may be uncomfortable for elderly patients. Time should be taken to achieve a comfortable position which allows adequate examination.