Digital Rectal Examination (DRE): Risks
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Risks
A small amount of bleeding from the rectum may occur after an examination, especially if hemorrhoids or anal fissures are present.
In rare cases, you may feel lightheaded and faint. This feeling is called vasovagal syncope and is caused by fear or pain when your health professional puts a finger into the rectum. Vasovagal syncope is more likely to happen if you are standing up.
| Last updated: | November 04, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Monica Rhodes |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology |
| Editors: | Maria Essig, Tracy Landauer |
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