Examination of your prostate | Tests and scans | Cancer Research UK

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Examination of your prostate

To examine your prostate your doctor puts a finger into your back passage (rectum). This procedure is also called a digital rectal exam (DRE).

Go to our information about prostate cancer

Why you might have this

You might have a prostate examination to check for any problems in your prostate. 

What happens before the examination?

It’s normal to feel anxious about this test but it usually only takes a few minutes. You shouldn’t feel any pain but may be uncomfortable. Tell your doctor if you feel pain.

You can ask for a man or woman doctor if you’d prefer. Or you can have someone else in the room, such as a family member.

During the examination

The doctor or nurse will ask you to take off your clothes on your lower half, including underwear.

You’ll lie on your left hand side, with your knees brought up towards your chest.

The doctor or nurse will put on gloves and then put lubricating gel on their finger. They will then put their finger inside your back passage and feel your prostate. They feel for anything unusual, such as your prostate feeling larger than it should for your age. Or feeling lumpy or hard.

What happens after

Once it’s done you can get up and get dressed. Your doctor will then discuss the results of the examination with you. 

A digital rectal examination alone won’t diagnose prostate cancer. This is because your doctor or nurse can’t feel all of your prostate. And in some cases, your prostate can feel normal but might have cancer cells in it. Or they might find something unusual and it could be due to another condition.

Your GP may refer you for more tests or refer you to a specialist after the examination. You’ll be able to leave as soon as you’re ready.

Read about other tests you might have

References

Prostate cancer: diagnosis and management
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2019. Last updated December 2021

Suspected cancer: recognition and referral
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2015. Last updated Dec 2021

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), last accessed March 2022

Last reviewed:  31 Mar 2022 Next review due:  31 Mar 2025 Print page

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What is prostate cancer? Tests for prostate cancer Symptoms of prostate cancer What is the PSA test? Cancer tests and scans Prostate cancer main page Mental health and cancer

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Related links

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is cancer of the prostate gland. Find out about who gets prostate cancer and how common it is. 

Tests for prostate cancer

You have a number of tests to check for prostate cancer. These may include a digital rectal examination, a PSA blood test, scans and a biopsy. 

Symptoms of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer doesn't usually cause any symptoms in the early stages. 

What is the PSA test?

The PSA test is a blood test that measures the amount of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. It can help to diagnose prostate cancer.

Cancer tests and scans

Find out about tests to diagnose cancer and monitor it during and after treatment, including what each test can show, how you have it and how to prepare.

Prostate cancer main page

Prostate cancer is cancer that starts in the prostate gland. The prostate gland is found at the base of the bladder and is about the size of a walnut. 

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Posted by Jack Read more Comments (15) 2024.10.30 19:57