Rectal Exam: weird feelings

[Club Med]

Dr. Steve:

I am a 45-year old male. Due to family history I receive a DRE annually. During the exam I feel an intense need to relieve myself. When the Doctor removes his finger I am never quite sure if the sensation I feel is from the removal of stimulus, or if I've had a bowel movement. Short of avoiding eye contact and getting out of the exam room as quickly as possible (which I am sure I would do anyways), how do I handle this? is this a normal sensation and/or response? Should I acknowedge this before the exam or just let the chips fall where they may (so to speak)? I have done all I can to purge beforehand with no different results.

[Dr Steve]

Dr. Steve:

I am a 45-year old male. Due to family history I receive a DRE annually. During the exam I feel an intense need to relieve myself. When the Doctor removes his finger I am never quite sure if the sensation I feel is from the removal of stimulus, or if I've had a bowel movement. Short of avoiding eye contact and getting out of the exam room as quickly as possible (which I am sure I would do anyways), how do I handle this? is this a normal sensation and/or response? Should I acknowedge this before the exam or just let the chips fall where they may (so to speak)? I have done all I can to purge beforehand with no different results.


Clubby:

When the rectum is full, it sends a signal to the brain that basically says "it's time to take a dump!" Since your rectum can't tell the difference between a log and a finger, you get the same signal during your DRE as you do when it's time to dump out.

I have been doing digital exams for 20 years now and never had anyone actually take a shit on me, so I'm sure you're ok that...it just feels that way. However, if the doc gets some stool on his finger, that's actually a good and desired thing (believe it or not)...he/she will test it for blood.

I hope this helps assuage your fears about this, and I'm glad you're getting your DRE yearly.

your pal,


steve

[Club Med]

Thanks Dr. Steve. One less reason to be embarassed by this exam. I'll work on the eye contact next time around.