A digital rectal exam (DRE) is a medical procedure where a healthcare provider inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to check for abnormalities. This exam helps assess the health of the prostate gland in men and can also identify issues in the rectum or surrounding tissues. During the exam, the provider may feel for lumps, swelling, or other irregularities. The DRE is often part of routine check-ups for men over 50 or those at higher risk for prostate cancer. It is a quick procedure that usually lasts only a few minutes.