A prostate exam, also known as a digital rectal exam (DRE), is a screening test used to check the health of the prostate gland. The prostate gland is a small gland located between the bladder and the penis in men. It produces some of the fluid that makes up semen.
During a prostate exam, a doctor or healthcare provider inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland. The exam is usually done as part of a routine physical exam or as a screening test for prostate cancer.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how a prostate exam is done:
Preparation: Before the exam, the patient is typically asked to undress from the waist down and to lie on their side on the exam table with their knees bent and pulled up to their chest.
Lubrication: The healthcare provider will put on a glove and apply a lubricant to their finger to make insertion into the rectum more comfortable for the patient.
Insertion: The healthcare provider will gently insert their finger into the rectum and feel for the prostate gland, which is located just in front of the rectum.
Examination: Once the healthcare provider has located the prostate gland, they will examine it for any abnormalities, such as lumps or hard spots. They will also assess the size, shape, and texture of the gland.
Completion: Once the exam is complete, the healthcare provider will remove their finger and dispose of the used glove.
The exam usually takes only a few minutes and may cause slight discomfort or pressure. Patients may experience some minor rectal bleeding after the exam, but this is typically mild and temporary.
It is important for men to get regular prostate exams, especially if they are over the age of 50 or have a family history of prostate cancer. If any abnormalities are found during the exam, further testing, such as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test or a prostate biopsy, may be necessary to determine the cause.
