Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)
How It Feels
Men may feel some discomfort or pain during a digital rectal exam (DRE). Your doctor must press firmly on the prostate to feel for problems. This pressure may make you feel the need to urinate. The examination may be painful if the prostate gland is swollen or irritated.
Most women do not find a DRE painful. You may feel some pressure or discomfort when your doctor presses on your belly to feel the internal organs.
People with hemorrhoids, breaks in the skin around the Reference anus Opens New Window (called Reference anal fissures Opens New Window), or other anal sores may find a DRE more painful than people without these problems.
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