Rectal examination
During the rectal examination, a nurse or doctor uses their finger to check for any issues inside the rectum (bottom). The examination is usually very quick, and you won’t feel any pain.
Reasons for a rectal examination
You need to get a rectal examination, if:
- You are bleeding from the bottom
- You are having pain in the bottom
- Constipation
- Incontinence (unable to control your toilet time)
Sometimes men need a rectal examination to check for prostate problems.
Before prostate exam
The doctor or nurse who conducts the procedure will explain what will happen and the purpose of a rectal examination. The examination is nothing to be embarrassed about; it’s a standard procedure. Before the exam, you can let the nurse or doctor know if:
- You would prefer a woman or ma to perform the examination
- You would like someone else present in the room
- You already have a severe bottom pain
During rectal examinations
You would have to undress from the waist down. The nurse or doctor will:
- Ask you to lie down on the left side, with your knees up towards your chest, which is the easiest way to examine the rectum.
- Put on gloves and look at the bottom outside for any problems.
- Use some lubricating gel on one finger to gently slide it inside the rectum, which is painless but can be uncomfortable.
- Sometimes they might ask you to squeeze around their finger a bit so they can assess the muscles moments.
For men, the nurse or doctor might press on the prostate, which can urge them to pee.
For personalized advice and support tailored to your health needs, consider our free doctor consultation service, where you can connect with experienced professionals ready to assist you.
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022