However, its important to see a healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis andtreatment.
In most cases, hemorrhoids can be easily diagnosed with a history and a physical exam.
Self-Checks/At-Home Testing
There are two types of hemorrhoids: internal and external.
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External hemorrhoids are around the anus and can be seen or felt.
A rectal exam is performed quickly and shouldnt cause any significant pain.
It may also be necessary to insert a finger inside the anus.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
This is done to feel the structures inside and determine if there are any internal hemorrhoids.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Anal Fissure
Ananal fissureis a tear in the lining of the anal canal.
It causes pain, especially during a bowel movement, and bleeding.
Most anal fissures heal on their own with home treatment.
Anal Fistula
Ananal fistulais an abnormal connection between the bowel and the perianal skin.
Polyps usually cause no symptoms and are only discovered during a colonoscopy, but they may also cause bleeding.
Your primary care healthcare provider is usually able to diagnose hemorrhoids.
This can also help the healthcare provider see if you have any lower digestive tract problems or bowel disease.
Both exams may cause minor discomfort but usually only take a few minutes to complete.
External hemorrhoids can usually be recognized bysymptomssuch as pain, swelling, itching, and bleeding.
Internal hemorrhoids may be harder to self-diagnose as they are typically painless.
In some cases, rectal bleeding may be the only sign of an internal hemorrhoid.
At other times, an internal hemorrhoid may bulge (prolapse) outside of the anus.
There are many conditions that mimic hemorrhoids, some of which may be serious.
This is why its important to see a healthcare provider if the symptoms do not resolve withconservative treatment.
Among the conditions commonly mistaken for hemorrhoids are:
London S, Tichauer MB.Anoscopy.
Beaty JS, Shashidharan M.Anal Fissure.
Clin Colon Rectal Surg.
2016;29(1):30-7. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1570390
Limura E, Giordano P.Modern management of anal fistula.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diagnosis of hemorrhoids.
Sun Z, Migaly J.Review of hemorrhoid disease: presentation and management.Clinics Colon Rectal Surg.
