Digital Rectal Exam Flashcards, test questions and answers
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What is Digital Rectal Exam?
A Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) is a diagnostic medical procedure commonly used by doctors to detect abnormalities in the rectum. During a DRE, a doctor inserts a lubricated finger into the patient’s rectum and feels for any irregularities in the shape and size of the prostate gland. The DRE can also be used to assess the tone of muscles in the pelvis, which may indicate problems with bladder control or pelvic floor muscle weakness. Additionally, it can help identify potential sources of rectal bleeding and detect early signs of prostate cancer or other conditions that affect men’s health such as prostatitis.The benefits of having a digital rectal exam are many. It provides an accurate assessment of the condition of your prostate gland and can detect changes before they become more serious. Having regular digital rectal exams can help diagnose problems with your prostate sooner rather than later when treatment is likely to be more effective. Additionally, this procedure allows your doctor to examine any potential issues between the anus and urinary tract which may otherwise go undetected during other tests such as blood tests or scans. Finally, it is non-invasive and considered safe for most individuals who are healthy enough to undergo this type of examination. Despite these benefits, some patients may find this examination uncomfortable because it involves inserting fingers into their body cavity, although discomfort usually subsides after just a few seconds once lubrication has been applied. Furthermore, no form of anesthesia is required for this procedure so there are no added risks associated with its use; however if patients feel particularly apprehensive about undergoing a DRE then they should speak openly about their concerns with their doctor prior to starting treatment so that alternative approaches can be discussed if necessary.