HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)
Risks
A small amount of bleeding from the rectum may occur after an examination, especially if hemorrhoids or anal fissures are present.
In rare cases, you may feel lightheaded and faint. This feeling is called Reference vasovagal syncope Opens New Window and is caused by fear or pain when your doctor puts a finger into the rectum. Vasovagal syncope is more likely to happen if you are standing up.
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