The Ultimate Guide to Hemorrhoids

4. Diagnosis of hemorrhoids

Doctors use multiple methods to diagnose hemorrhoids. First, they will likely ask you to provide your medical history and explain your symptoms. They will want to know about your eating habits, toileting habits, current medications, and whether you use laxatives or enemas.

Your doctor is also likely to perform a physical exam, checking your anus for lumps, swelling, irritation, or skin tags and assessing the tone of the muscles in your anus. They may also recommend procedures to detect or investigate the extent of internal hemorrhoids, including an anoscopy or a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy to examine the lining of your rectum and anus. If you have pain in your rectum or notice bright red blood after a bowel movement, it is important to speak to your doctor. While these can be signs of hemorrhoids, they can also be symptoms of other serious health conditions, like anal fissures, diverticulosis, polyps, or colorectal cancer.