Do gynecologists ever do Rectal exams anymore?

Ive been with my girl friend to the obgyn a couple times now for various reasons, exams. however shes never got a DRE or even a rectal vaginal despite engaging in anal intercourse. is this something that is no longer done?

My ex gf has a retroverted uterus and has said she always gets a rectal. I guess that's why it happens for her, I would imagine it depends on the Dr. She said she had to go a new obgyn in Nov for the first time post Covid-19 and expected it maybe to be quick, but apparently it was one of the more comprehensive exams she's ever had. I asked if she got a rectal and she said 'unfortunately I don't seem to ever be spared that indignity'

All four of us get them. And my sister and I got them from our old doctor once we started OB/GYN checkups. She did it all just like the doctor we have now. So it depends on the doctor.

My wife gets a rectal at each exam except during the year she has a colonoscopy.

Yes they still do Rectal exams at the gynecologist.

Having some professional experience in the field, let me assure you: Yes it does happen that there is a rectal exam at the gyn. However, what it involves very much depends on the patient and the circumstances. In many cases there is simply no need to perform a full rectal examination with enema and/or specula.

I’ve never had one done at the gyn. It sounds like it all depends on the doctor. I feel like they might as well. They’re already down there poking around.

Having a finger in the vagina and a finger in the rectum is the way I learned to best examine the Pouch of Douglas -- that area between the posterior wall of the uterus and the anterior wall of the rectum. It's the lowest portion of the peritoneal cavity and as such fluids or cells in the peritoneum will migrate down into the pouch. I was taught a thorough exam included palpating the space.

I've always had them. After the does the vaginal exam while I'm still in the stirrups he does a recto-vaginal. Then, he has me roll over and does a DRE.

A friend told me that she presented to her gynecologist, a female for a regular visit but saying she wasn’t feeling well . I don’t know if it would because it deals with the rectum, be considered a rectal “exam” but she did get her rectal temperature taken, which usually she didn’t get because her doctor, when she did temperature takings were usually oral.

My friend didn’t say if she then got a rectal exam. She returned after making an appointment when feeling better for her gyno exam.

Years ago doctors performed vaginal/rectal exams. But now days the doctors I have had don't perform them anymore.

I have sexual, not medical experience with a woman’s vagina and rectum. I have heard that on occasion, there may be a tear in the vaginal wall, which could allow an infection to occur. I don’t envy anyone getting a rectal exam from a doctor, but if it’s necessary, then better safe than sorry.

Mine does. She knows I stick things up there so she does a good look around for scratches or tears.

@Bad_Princess When you say she does a good look around…how exactly does she do that?

I’m thinking of telling my doc I have anal sex, and I’m wondering what that admission will cause.

That is certainly a good look around! But to EnchantedAmethyst - I sincerely doubt you would get that level of investigation just from disclosing you have anal sex. Honestly it's very unusual to have that level of investigation for anything short of "I have a full-blown major GI tract autoimmune condition or signs of colorectal cancer." (If then! 3 different kinds of scope has more risk of causing a bowel injury than anal sex does, and in any case, that would be the department of a gastroenterologist, not your gynecologist. And no one is sent to a gastro just because they've had anal sex.) For your situation, I'm guessing at worst it would be a rectal exam (brief insertion of one gloved finger to feel for lumps, check for pain, and look at the glove after to check for blood) and possibly a rectovaginal exam, unless you also had actual symptoms (pain, bleeding, fecal incontinence) to report. Many, many people have anal sex and it's not a medical condition, just a minor risk factor for tissue irritation or STI transmission.

My doctor does to check endometriosis focus.

Hey! tell me what is DRE ?

@Emppu

Digital Rectal Exam = DRE

Of course, I didn't notice that with my poor language skills. thanks for the answer!

My doctor does it after the exam to access the consistency of the stool in my rectum since I struggle with constipation.

I’ve only had a rectal/DRE once, and I think that was because a nurse friend of mine who knows I enjoy being examined may have said something to the NP who conducted that exam, as it was done out of the same office where she worked.

In my home country of Germany, rectal examinations are quite common. For example, in virgins, so as not to damage the hymen. Otherwise, regardless of age, if the symptoms make them necessary for diagnosis. From the age of 50, they are part of the annual preventive examination. Transrectal ultrasound is also often performed.

My wife gets one annually

My wife has never received a rectal exam at any gynecologist exam she's had.

I believe in the US the recommendation is that routine rectal, as well as digital vaginal exams, serve little purpose. Now the only time my wife's doctor does a speculum or digital exam is when there is something wrong. Last time they even used a new type of HPV test that does not require a speculum.

They also no longer recommend routine clinical breast exams. And agencies are split on the value of SBE.

Yes, I've gotten one every single time I go.

I never had one during my routine exams. The only time I had one was when I was pregnant.

Mine has inserted a finger in both places simultaneously but I have not had a proper rectal exam. I mean, I don't even recall those words ever being said by a doctor. I'm 33 so at some point down the road I guess it will become an annual thing? Never had any problems in that area thankfully.

I always have one

That's an always for me too.

I've had a recto-vaginal a couple of times over the years, but I think I can count the number on one hand.