Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)

Risks

A small amount of bleeding from the rectum may occur after an examination, especially if hemorrhoids fissures are present.

In rare cases, you may feel light-headed and faint. This is called vasovagal syncope and is caused by fear or pain when your health professional puts a finger into the rectum. This is more likely to happen if you are standing up.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: January 23, 2007
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.