What is a DRE (Digital Rectal Examination)?
A DRE is an examination in which the doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger up the rectum and checks for abnormalities. During this procedure the patient is either bending down or lying on his side. It is often used to detect tumors in the prostate, which generally feel like hard bumps. It is not 100% accurate, since some tumors can be difficult to feel out. Although the procedure isnt very painful, you may experience some discomfort when pressure is applied to the prostate.
