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
(called
), or other anal sores may find a DRE
more painful than people without these problems.