What Happens During a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)?

A Clear, Patient-Level Explanation Featuring Dr. Sanjay Razdan

For many men, the idea of a digital rectal exam — commonly called a DRE — creates immediate discomfort. Not physical discomfort, but mental. It’s one of those tests men hear about, joke about, and quietly hope they never need. But here’s the reality Dr. Sanjay Razdan explains to patients every week: The DRE is quick, simple, and still plays an important role in prostate health — especially when interpreted by an experienced urologist.

This guide walks through exactly what happens during a DRE, why it’s done, what doctors are feeling for, and how Dr. Razdan uses it as part of a much bigger, more precise diagnostic picture.