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Perianal Disease Pathway
Before your appointment
Visit your healthcare provider
Get your assessments and tests
Review your test results
Review your treatment and prevention options
Talk with your healthcare provider about a referral
Start your treatment and watch your symptoms
Keep taking care of yourself
In most cases, your healthcare provider will need to look at the affected area and do a physical exam. You may also have tests and assessments to help find the cause of your symptoms and to rule out other health problems. Lab tests are uncommon, but may be used to see how much blood you have lost or to rule out other conditions.
A digital rectal exam is a common test if you have perianal problems. You do not need to do anything to prepare for this test. You may also need a vaginal exam if the location or cause of bleeding is not clear.
A digital rectal exam is a mildly uncomfortable procedure. During the exam, you might:
After your exam, you can return to your normal activities right away.
Your healthcare provider will tell you what to watch for and if you should expect mild bleeding. If you have anal fissures or hemorrhoids, mild bleeding after a digital rectal exam is more likely to occur. Contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms get worse, if you have any of the symptoms your healthcare provider told you to watch for, or if you are not getting better in the expected time your healthcare provider shared.
Download or print the full patient pathway (PDF) and summary (one-page PDF) to learn more about how to prevent, manage, and treat perianal problems.Patient Pathway Summary
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