Dictionary Definition: digital rectal exam
- digital rectal exam
- A physical exam of a man's prostate and rectum or a woman's rectum. In a man, the doctor feels the part of the prostate that lies in front of the rectum to determine whether the prostate is enlarged or tender or has any abnormalities that need more testing. In men and women, the doctor feels inside the rectum to determine if there are any problems, such as stool masses.