What does DRE mean in a medical evaluation?

DRE stands for Digital Rectal Exam. It is a medical procedure in which a healthcare professional inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to assess the health of the prostate gland and other structures in the area. It is commonly performed as part of a routine physical examination for men over a certain age, or for those experiencing certain symptoms or conditions related to the prostate or rectum.