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 DRE, the provider may feel for lumps, swelling, or tenderness, which can indicate conditions such as prostate cancer, hemorrhoids, or inflammatory bowel disease. The procedure is quick, usually taking only a few minutes, and is an important part of routine health screenings for certain individuals.