Before rectals

I was chatting with a fellow member. He may be getting first dre soon.

Any advice for beforehand to make it easier?

Take a slow deep breath and push out with your anus when he inserts finger, like you are trying to push out against his finger. It will go in easier, then exhale once it is in. Continue to breath slow and deep and feel free to squeeze drs finger then relax and push out against drs finger if you have the urge.

I was chatting with a fellow member. He may be getting first dre soon.

Any advice for beforehand to make it easier?

@Buttchecked That sounds a lot like “….this isn't about me, but I have a friend who…..” 😄😄😄😄

Just tell him to relax - it's really no big deal and will be over before he knows it. In fact, most guys here wish it would last longer!!!

I am scheduled to receive my first DRE in the beginning part of September or slightly sooner if there are cancellations. I truly appreciate the advice and input from everyone. My upcoming physical will be with a different doctor as my old doctor unexpectedly retired. Briefly, my “old doctor” included the PSA as part of my blood work baseline due to family history. He made a notes and informed me during my last exam that next time he would do both blood work and a DRE. I admit, I am a little nervous both about seeing a different doctor along with it being my first DRE experience. Honestly, I know the exam is not a big deal it’s just the unknown. Thanks again .

The worst part is sitting around knowing the doctor knows what is going to happen and imagining that some of the other patients do too. I have heard from some people that there are some doctors who are a bit rough, the times I have had it done it has been nothing - they'll tell you to take a deep breath and bear down, and then it is gentle pressure.

As others have said, it's really not that big of a deal. It's usually quick and painless. Just relax when the doctor is about to penetrate you and it will be easier. Don't tighten up or clench your muscles. And try to enjoy it!

Bearing down like going potty may ease penetration.

Just bend over and take it like a man! The rectal exam is a rite of passage for most men … especially for those of us into the med-fet scene.

If your friend is not experiencing any prostate related symptoms tell him to get a PSA blood draw instead, especially if he is youngish. Look up USPTF recommendations. While PSA isn’t recommended neither is a DRE for detecting prostate issues.

Anal itching, anal bleeding, hemorrhoids or any intestinal related issues may still warrant a DRE. The more you know, the easier it is to choose your option.

BTW a non insurance covered DRE is less than $50 at most labs, at least in the USA.

It used to be the highlight of my physical…not any more as my MD only does the PSA, he says DRE is not reliable

I never found it to be a big deal or painful except if you have a prostate infection, I once went to the doctor because I was experiencing pain when I ejaculated, Dr did a DRE and as soon as he inserted his finger and pressed down on my prostate it was very painful, he gave me some antibiotics and within a few day all was well, this was when I was in my twenties and had not yet started having yearly DRE’s

It's nothing. I hardly noticed it.

It’s unpleasant but takes all of 10 seconds

Have a BM before the appointment.

A BM prior is good advice, and if you want to be extra sure that all is clean I would suggest a fleet enema as well!

Thers nothing to it. It's over in a few seconds.

They never last long enough!

No need to get worked up over something that literally lasts 5 seconds.

He should just be thankful that he has a doctor who still performs them. Many doctors just look at the results of a PSA blood test.

I still get a yearly rectal from my female MD who thankfully has small fingers and is more gentle than some male urologists I've had the displeasure of experiencing .Still I would prefer a rectal ( from either male or female docs.) any day to avoid a biopsy up the same place especially when awake during the procedure. I am sure some Zity members of my vintage have gone through having what feels like a staple gun going off inside your butt.

Contrary to previous posts in this thread, I would advise against taking an enema prior to rectal exam. Part of the value of the DRE is the ability to use any stool on the glove for FIBT test for blood in the stool which is a screen for colon cancer. Not all doctors do this, and it's not an appropriate screen for all, but the enema would remove the ability to choose this screening test.

No shit?

The first time I thought I might get a rectal I made sure to move my bowels before the appointment. I remember worrying he was going to find a package in the shipping dock when he did the exam if I didn’t go. He ended up doing the exam and I saw the glove afterwards with only a trace amount of residual feces.

I haven’t had a rectal exam from a doctor in over 20 years, and I definitely don’t want one. The only thing that I put in my rectum is a thermometer, that was designed to be used there.

For me it is embarrassing but not the least but painful. My father had prostate cancer that spread and he died from it. He was in great pain and it caused to not be able to pee and he needed catheterized. The treatments they did to him later caused him to loose any bladder control. It was a slow miserable way to go. If getting a blood test and a finger up my ass once a year can possibly catch things before it gets to that it is well worth it. Please don't die for not having it done. My doctor does the PSA every year and a DRE only every few years.

Here are some basics:

1. Make sure that you are empty.

2. Your selection of underpants will have no relevance to what is to occur.

3. You will not be able to determine when during the exam it will take place.

4. No blindfold is given.

5. Close your eyes if necessary.

6. Muffled sounds are fine; screaming is bad form.

7. Forget about who is looking; you won't be able to see anyway!

8. Count to 500 during the procedure; it helps reduce anxiety; good to review those math skills!

My first rectal exam was a total surprise and I am glad that it happened that way because there was no pre-examination apprehension.