Sit Down Again Monthly
January, 2008
Information on hemorrhoids, treatments, symptoms, and more.
Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
A digital rectal examination is used to check for abnormalities in the pelvic and lower abdominal area. For hemorrhoid sufferers, a digital rectal exam may be required to rule out more serious conditions such as colon cancer, rectal cancer, or Crohn's disease. This test may also help your health care provider determine the severity of the hemorrhoid and the course of action necessary to treat them.
The Causes Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are a common ailment that affect fifty percent of the adult population in America. They are enlarged veins that occur when there is excessive pressure exerted in the rectal area. As the pressure in the area increases, the veins stretch and swell until the surrounding tissue can no longer support them. Symptoms of hemorrhoids develop when swollen veins bulge into the anal canal (interior) or under the skin surrounding the anus (exterior.) Rectal bleeding, pain, and itching are all common symptoms of hemorrhoids.
When Should You See A Doctor for Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids?
Rectal bleeding to any degree is a cause for concern. While it is most often a hemorrhoid symptom, bleeding may also be caused by colon polyps, Crohn's disease, colon cancer, rectal cancer, or other conditions. Your health care professional should evaluate any type of rectal bleeding. But immediate examination may be necessary if rectal bleeding occurs even if you are not trying to pass a stool, if your stools become more narrow than normal, your stools are black or tarry, you experience unusual drainage from the anus, a lump develops in the anal area that does not go away, or if a fever accompanies the rectal bleeding.
Have your doctor evaluate your symptoms of hemorrhoidsif you continue to experience moderate rectal pain that lasts for more than a week, severe swelling or pain, a lump in the anal area that becomes bigger and more painful, or if your hemorrhoid symptoms last and persist even with home treatments.
Evaluating Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids: The Rectal Examination
A digital rectal examination is an examination of the lower rectum to check for abnormalities such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and stool irregularities. The term "digital" refers to the use of a lubricated finger (digit) to conduct the exam. During a digital rectal examination, your health care provider will insert a lubricated gloved finger from one hand into the rectum, and may use the other hand to press on the lower abdomen or pelvis. This examination is also used to evaluate the prostate gland in men and the uterus and ovaries in women. The bladder can sometimes be felt during a digital rectal exam.
A digital rectal examination is commonly performed to diagnose and evaluate symptoms of hemorrhoids. However, you health care provider may not be able to detect internal hemorrhoids with this test because they are soft and difficult to feel. Your doctor may perform an anoscopy to diagnose internal hemorrhoids.
Preparing for a Rectal Exam
There is no special preparation required for a digital rectal exam. It is best to try to relax as much as possible before the test and to take a deep breath as the finger is inserted into the rectum. Make sure your health care provider knows if you have or suspect that you have symptoms of hemorrhoids. Your doctor will try to avoid irritating the sensitive area.
Performing the Digital Rectal Examination
For this examination, you will need to disrobe from the waist down and drape a covering around your waist. Your health care provider will then position you for the test. Men are often examined in the standing position, bending forward at the waist or lying on the left side with the knees drawn to the chest. Women are examined lying on the back with feet raised and supported by stirrups.
Once you are positioned, your health care provider will first examine the exterior of the anus for hemorrhoids or anal fissures. Then he or she will insert a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum. Pressure may be applied with the other hand on the lower abdomen or pelvis to feel for tenderness or abnormalities. Before completing the exam, your doctor will obtain a small amount of stool on a gloved finger which can be applied to a hemoccult test or evaluate rectal bleeding.
The Digital Rectal Exam for Hemorrhoid Sufferers
The digital rectal examination is generally not a painful procedure. Men may feel some discomfort or the urge to urinate during the exam and women may feel some pressure and, mild discomfort when the health care professional presses on the abdomen. However, hemorrhoid symptom sufferers will likely experience some pain with the digital rectal examination as the sensitive tissues become further irritated.
Risks of the Digital Rectal Examination
The digital rectal exam is a relatively safe procedure that carries very little risk. You may experience slight bleeding from the rectum after the examination, especially if hemorrhoid symptoms are present. There is also a very slight risk of developing an infection from this procedure. In rare instances, a person may experience vasovagal syncope (loss of consciousness) due to the fear of pain involved in the examination. This happens more frequently when the person is being examined while standing up.