The male rectal examination is the one male physical examination that most men will avoid but shouldn't. If you ever discover blood in your stool, or if you have rectal pain, you should make an appointment with your physician and they may determine that you need a rectal examination and or a male genital examination. Your number one asset is your health and you should take the proper steps to preserve it.

The male rectal examination can be performed in two basic positions. One with a man standing and leaning over the examination table. The second way is the sims position. The "Sims Position" is where a man lays on his left side and the examination is done in that fashion. In the Sims Position, the patients left leg is extended behind their back and the right leg is brought forward.

To begin, a man must lean over the examination table and place his shoulders firmly on the table. In this position, it enables a mans buttocks to be elevated. Before an examination can begin, it's important to have a paper towel ready for the patient to use after the examination. A lubricant will be needed also. A testing slide will be needed to test for fecal blood.

The man should try to relax and slightly spread his legs. The anus must be inspected first. A doctor will first look for hemorrhoids, venereal warts or discharge. After this has been done, a doctor will take a small amount of lubricant on the second finger and let the patient know that he will feel the coolness of the lubricant. Once the doctor's fingers have been placed on the anal verge, the patient will be asked to bear down. The doctor will spread the buttocks and place his finger down side and ask the patient to take a deep breath in. As the doctor inserts his finger, he will first check the male prostate. During the rectal exam, the doctor will also perform a prostate examination. The doctor will feel for the consistency of the prostate, size of the prostate and determine if any nodules exist.

The doctor will then begin the formal rectal examination. The doctor will evaluate the walls of the rectum. The doctor will turn his hand from 6 oclock to 9 oclock up to 12 oclock. As the doctor evaluates the walls for any masses, he will come back down to 6 oclock and in order to evaluate the walls from 12 to 6 the doctor will turn his body to hyperpronate his hand to come up to 12 oclock again.

As the doctor withdraws his hand, he will have the paper towel ready and clean the lubricant from his hand. Before he does this, he will apply any fecal material from his fingers to the slide. The fecal material will be evaluated by a laboratory. He will then drop your gown and you will be quite happy it's over. It's not a painful ordeal but most men are very self conscious and reluctant to have the examination performed.

If you are over 50, have a rectal exam scheduled.

If you are 50 years old or older, it is recommended that you have a male rectal examination. It's quick and mostly painless. It's a simple process that could help save your life.

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