Miscellaneous | Are rectal exams still done ?…

Views: 3027 Created: 2017.08.29

First post

It has been a lot of years since I got a rectal exam. I have gone in with pain in my rectum, cramping and even some bleeding. I have even done a few complete physical exams.

On the physical no DRE. And I am 49.

About the pain and bleeding, I got referred to a GI specialist. At the GI visit, they asked a lot of questions and then scheduled a colonoscopy. No actual exam was done. The colonoscopy had nothing serious to report. Just 1 polyp, that was non-cancerous.

My question is that, how do i get a rectal exam ?? A DRE and even an anoscope. Are these not done anymore ??

The colonoscopy was clear, but i still have the pain and cramping . What do I need to tell my doctor??

timberwolf421

51 years old and have only received one rectal (prostate) exam in my life. That one was at age 25, when I was admitted to the hospital for appendicitis. I haven't received a rectal exam from my PCP or from my urologist yet. I've been to the urologist for three visits so far and have actually been scheduled for a cystometrogram in September.

AutoMechanic

@KennyT believe it or not it actually happened. It’s definitely not an experience that everyone gets to go to. The exams were not together they were separately but I have reasons for being at both.

ToyPlayer

I get a rectal exam every year from my Urologist, just his standard procedure with the exam.

BenDover

My current PCP gives me a DRE every year at my annual physical. With me standing and my pants pulled down, he first gives me a very thorough genital and hernia exam. Next, he instructs me to rest my elbows on the table, bend at the waist, and point my toes inward. He always spreads my cheeks with both hands for a nice visual inspection before I hear him apply lube to his finger. He always give me some kind of warning moments before he presses the jelly against my puckered up hole and gently inserts his finger. His finger is only inside me maybe 10 seconds, but those 3-4 minutes of me standing with with my pants pulled down are always the highlight of my day! That, and the squishy reminder that's still between my cheeks when I leave his office…

I have also received a DRE and anoscope from a colorectal surgeon. That one lasted much longer and was much more intense than at my PCP. I was lying on my left side with both knees drawn up a bit. The doctor wiped me after that one, which was very weird.

OverRainbow

The last 3 were a number of years back.

i did a clinical trial and my first day a nurse came in my room. After my vitals ( thermometers up my butt) she put me on all fours and performed a DRE. Other time during a yearly physical at my job. 3rd was when a female student doctor was instructed to do one on me by the senior doctor, a urologist.

OverRainbow

I imagine they’re still done based on criteria, patient’s issue(s) and the caregiver.