HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Itching In Anus After Having A Prostrate Examination?

default
Posted on Sat, 16 Jan 2016
Question: Hi, I had my first prostrate exam yesterday. It was fine (uncomfortable but not painful) and the test was normal, but it feels a bit achey around that region today. Is this normal or to be expected?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
not really

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

the digital rectal examination (DRE) is supposed to cause some discomfort during the actual examination but not after it. If the patient has a sore anus due to a fissure or hemorrhoids it may cause some lasting discomfort but the patient should recognize the symptom as originating from the fissure or the hemorrhoids.

The prostate gland is supposed to be painless when it's healthy. If you did the DRE due to a high PSA reading then perhaps this high PSA is related to prostatitis. Prostatitis may cause a high PSA and discomoft in this area. Your doctor should assess and evaluate your symptom. Let your doctor know.

I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (1 hour later)
No. Was just a routine DRE. Findings were normal. I had no PSA done. There is no pain more just a feeling or sensation down there. A bit like when you are about to go to deficate. Only very mild and on and off .
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
it doesn't sound serious...

Detailed Answer:
I see...

So, if there's no pain but only a mild vague discomfort then it's probably nothing serious or nothing more than a simple irritation by a presumably forceful DRE. If pain develops (particularly if accompanied with urinary tract symptoms) then it could raise concerns.

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (37 minutes later)
Thank you for your help. Just two more questions..

If he was a little rough could that cause permanent damage? What concerns would that be? .
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I don't believe so

Detailed Answer:
You're welcome!

It would be really hard for your doctor to cause so serious damage with digital examination. It's just a digit palpating a gland over the mucosal surface of the intestine. The worse thing that may happen is to sustain a minor injury causing some self-limited bleeding.

Regarding prostate palpation in general, it may cause serious complications (even septic shock) in cases of acute prostatitis, because it may help the bacteria to spread outside the prostate when palpated. Acute prostatitis means high fever and a really painful prostate, so don't worry about it!

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (11 minutes later)
Thank you!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
You're welcome!

Detailed Answer:
Glad to help!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3809 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Itching In Anus After Having A Prostrate Examination?

Brief Answer: not really Detailed Answer: Hello, the digital rectal examination (DRE) is supposed to cause some discomfort during the actual examination but not after it. If the patient has a sore anus due to a fissure or hemorrhoids it may cause some lasting discomfort but the patient should recognize the symptom as originating from the fissure or the hemorrhoids. The prostate gland is supposed to be painless when it's healthy. If you did the DRE due to a high PSA reading then perhaps this high PSA is related to prostatitis. Prostatitis may cause a high PSA and discomoft in this area. Your doctor should assess and evaluate your symptom. Let your doctor know. I hope you find my comments helpful! You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information. Kind Regards!