If you have been experiencing rectal bleeding and discomfort and think that you may have hemorrhoids, you may want to have your symptoms checked out by a doctor. Knowing what to expect of your visit can help you to feel more comfortable during your examination. Also, by understanding what will occur, you will be better prepared to get the help that you need for your hemorrhoids.

The first thing to consider is that is important to get a proper diagnoses. Even if you are certain that you have hemorrhoids, even if it is not the first time that you have had them, you should still see your physician and be examined. There are several other digestive disorders that could be contributing to the problem -- some of them serious. Rectal bleeding can even be due to cancer, so it is important that you get it checked out.

The first thing your doctor will do is examine the anus and the rectal area. He or she will look for swollen blood vessels. These are a major symptom of hemorrhoids. Your physician will check for lumps in the skin close to the anus. He or she will then will then use a lubricated glove to examine you internally. Your physician will feel for lumps or abnormalities along the wall of the rectum. These lumps and abnormalities can be signs of hemorrhoids.

One of the tools that doctors will often use when examining for hemorrhoids is a proctoscope. This is a hollow tube with a light on it. It is inserted into the rectum and allows the doctor to more easily see any problems in that area. This instrument is most often used if internal hemorrhoids are suspected. Your doctor will be able to examine the lining of the rectum, determine if there is anything unusual or abnormal on the lining of the rectum, and determine if these abnormalities are hemorrhoids.

If your doctor is unable to determine the cause of the hemorrhoids, he ore she has the option of performing a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. In this procedure, your doctor inserts a hollow tube (similar to the proctoscope) into your rectum and colon. In this manner he or she can examine not only the frontal area of the rectum, but into the intestinal area as well. This same tool is what doctors use to diagnose bleeding and discomfort not related to hemorrhoids.

If you have been experiencing symptoms of hemorrhoids, it is important to be examined by a physician to determine that there is not a larger problem. By knowing the cause of your problem, you can treat the bleeding and discomfort and get on with your life. Hemorrhoids don't have to interfere with your life if you seek treatment now.