Hemorrhoids

How is the condition diagnosed?

To diagnose hemorrhoids, your doctor will start with a medical history and physical exam. As part of the exam, your doctor will feel for internal hemorrhoids by inserting a lubricated finger into your rectum. This is called a digital exam. Sometimes your doctor may use a hollow, lighted tube called an anoscope to view internal hemorrhoids. To rule out other disorders, he or she may order a sigmoidoscopy or proctoscopy. These tests also use a lighted tube, but look at your bowel, rather than your rectum. Your doctor may also order blood tests.