# Digital rectal exam: what it is, who needs it and what results mean

_Digital rectal exam: who needs it, how often, how it is done and what results mean, with Kenya guidance and costs._

Canonical: https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/digital-rectal-exam

Author: My Wellness Health, Editorial team · Reviewed by: the My Wellness Health clinical team on 7 Oct 2026

Last updated: 7 Oct 2026 · Published by My Wellness Health — Preventive Healthcare & Care Navigation

> A digital rectal exam checks for the size and feel of the prostate. In Kenya it is recommended for men being checked for prostate problems, alongside a PSA test, when a clinician advises.

**Digital rectal exam at a glance**

| Who needs it | How often | What results mean | Cost |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Men being checked for prostate problems, alongside a PSA test. | When a clinician advises. | A hard or irregular prostate is followed up with further tests. | Part of a consultation. |

## Digital rectal exam: common questions

**Q: What does the Digital rectal exam check for?**

A: The size and feel of the prostate.

**Q: Who should have it?**

A: Men being checked for prostate problems, alongside a PSA test.

**Q: How often?**

A: When a clinician advises.

**Q: How is it done?**

A: A gloved finger is gently inserted into the back passage; it takes under a minute.

**Q: What do the results mean?**

A: A hard or irregular prostate is followed up with further tests.

**Q: What does it cost?**

A: Part of a consultation.

**Q: How can My Wellness Health help?**

A: My Wellness Health's risk assessment (Cancer risk assessments, KES 300) looks at your symptoms, history and lifestyle and gives you a personalised risk report with clear next steps. A care navigator calls you back within 2 hours to help you book any screening you need at a facility that suits your budget and location. Assessment fees do not include tests or consultations at the facility.

This page is health information to help you understand risks and next steps. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a qualified clinician. My Wellness Health is not a diagnostic service: we help you understand your risk and connect you with the right screening and care. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 999 or 112. If you are thinking of harming yourself, call Befrienders Kenya on +254 722 178 177 or the Kenya Red Cross toll-free line 1199.

## Sources

- [My Wellness Health](https://www.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/)
- [NHS, Prostate cancer symptoms](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms/)
- [Ministry of Health Kenya, National Cancer Screening and Early Diagnosis Guidelines](https://www.iccp-portal.org/resources/national-cancer-screening-and-early-diagnosis-guidelines)

## Other screening tests

- [Breast ultrasound in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/breast-ultrasound)
- [Clinical breast exam in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/clinical-breast-exam)
- [Colonoscopy in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/colonoscopy)
- [HPV test in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/hpv-test)
- [HPV vaccine in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/hpv-vaccine)
- [Mammogram in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/mammogram)
- [Pap smear in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/pap-smear)
- [PSA test in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/psa-test)