This is where a doctor or nurse feels your prostate gland
through the wall of your back passage (rectum). It is a common way
of helping to diagnose a problem with your prostate.
You may have a DRE if you have any symptoms of prostate
problems.
The DRE may be carried out by your GP and will be repeated by
the hospital specialist if your GP thinks you should see one. If
you are having a PSA
test as well, the DRE should be done after the PSA test
if possible. This is because having a DRE straight before a PSA
test may raise your PSA level. Your GP may decide to
do the tests at different appointments.
February 2010
To be reviewed February 2012