What exactly do you feel during a rectal exam?
That's hard to give a simple answer to. I've had rectal exams at ages 12, 16, 25, 47, and 48. However it "felt" the first time was shot through with anxiety and humiliation about what was happening. At 16, I remember suddenly feeling like I was going to have a BM. More recently, I don't think as much about it.
Is inserting or removing of the finger more uncomfortable?
The insertion. Even now, when I don't view it as that big a deal, I still tense up when I'm bent over with my bare bottom showing, feeling the light breeze of the AC against my exposed anus, waiting for the moment the doctor's thoroughly lubricated gloved finger penetrates me.
Does the doctor insert the finger quickly or slowly?
Always very quickly, it seems. Sometimes too much so.
How old were you when you had your first rectal exam?
12
Have you ever said anything during the rectal exam?
I recall when I was 12 the pediatrician asking me, as he inserted his finger deeper and deeper into my rectum, whether it hurt (he was checking for appendicitis). I think I answered something to the effect of, "not that much, but it's uncomfortable," but the truth is I was in a complete state of shock.
What do you feel during the prostate is touched?
To date, nothing.
Which position would you choose if you could and why:
Hmm...my first three were in Sims and my most recent were bending over the table. Wouldn't mind trying out knee-chest, though I'm sure it's the most embarrassing of the three.
(1) bending over the table
(2) knee-chest-position
(3) laying on your left side