Digital rectal examination is a test commonly known to the urologist to analyze possible changes in the prostate that may indicate prostate cancer or benign prostate hyperplasia.
It is also an important test to evaluate changes in the rectum and anus by the coloproctologist, such as fissures, hemorrhoids, or nodules.In addition, rectal touch can also be performed during routine gynecological examination in women, as it helps detect problems in the vaginal canal or uterus, for example.
- Rectal touch is fast.
- Done in a doctor’s office.
- Does not interfere with sexuality and does not cause pain.
- However it can cause some discomfort if the person has cracks or rectal infection.
- Understand what hemorrhoids are and how treatment is done.
Digital rectal examination is most often performed by the urologist to control changes in the prostate, such as an increase in size, common in benign prostate hyperplasia, and to aid in the early diagnosis of prostate cancer, thus increasing the chances of recovery.10 signs may indicate prostate cancer.
Thus, in these cases, rectal touch is especially indicated in men over 50 years of age with or without signs and symptoms of organ modification, and in men over 45 years of age with a family history of prostate cancer before age 60.
In addition to studying changes in the prostate, the proctologist may perform a rectal touch as part of the proctological examination to:
In the case of women this type of touch can also be performed, but in these cases it is used to feel the back wall of the vagina and uterus, so that the gynecologist is able to detect possible nodules or other abnormalities in these organs.Find out what the top 7 exams recommended by your gynecologist.
The digital rectal exam does not require preparation
Rectal touch is performed by inserting the index finger, protected by a latex glove and lubricated, into the patient’s anus, allowing to feel the opening and sphincters of the anus, the lining of the rectum and the end of the intestine, and can also feel the area of the prostate, in men, and the vagina and uterus, in women.
Most of the time the scan is done in a lying position on the left side, which is the most comfortable position for the patient, it can also be performed in genoelectoral position, with the knees and chest resting on the stretcher, or in the gynecological position.
When the purpose of the test is to evaluate the prostate, the doctor evaluates, by touch, the size, density and shape of the prostate, in addition to verifying the presence of nodules and other abnormalities in the prostate.Digital rectal examination can also be performed on the same time as PSA measurement, which is an enzyme produced by the prostate that, when its concentration increases in the blood, may indicate an abnormality.Here’s how to understand the PSA test result.
While these are two very effective tests to aid the diagnosis of prostate cancer, if modified they cannot complete the diagnosis, which is performed only by biopsy, in addition, rectal touch only allows to feel the back and side of the prostate and the organ is not fully evaluated Find out what 6 tests evaluate the prostate.