Rectal examination

When a rectal examination may be needed

A rectal examination is sometimes needed to investigate:

• bleeding from the bottom
• pain in the bottom
• constipation
• being unable to control when you go to the toilet (incontinence) – including bowel incontinence or urinary incontinence

Men sometimes need a rectal examination to check for problems with the prostate.

Before having a rectal examination

Your doctor or nurse should explain what's going to happen and why you need a rectal examination.

They'll know that some people can feel embarrassed, but it's a common procedure.

Let the doctor or nurse know if:

• you'd prefer a man or woman to perform the examination
• you'd like someone else in the room – it could be a friend, family member or another doctor or nurse
• you have severe pain in your bottom – they may be able to use local anaesthetic to numb the area