For some people, hemroids are funny and maybe the source of a joke. And while it’s true that hemroid problems might not be the worst thing that could happen to a person, it can cause itching, anal bleeding and in some more extreme cases a great deal of pain and discomfort.

If you do have itching, discomfort when using the bathroom, blood on the toilet paper or in the fecal material or any pain in the anal area, you may potentially have hemroids, but a medical exam is necessary to rule out any potentially more dangerous conditions. With either a colonoscopy or a sigmoidoscopy, your doctor can see what potential problems you may have with your colon. To look at the full section of the large intestine called the colon is called a colonoscopy, a sigmoidoscopy is done to get a picture of the final twenty four inches of large intestine.

Yes, having your colon looked at isn’t a lot of fun, but your doctor has seen it all before. Try to keep in mind that your doing this to have a good long healthy life. People with a family risk of colon cancer should get screened starting at age 40 and everyone else generally at the age of 50. If the colonoscopy results look good the first time then a follow up exam every few years will be recommended. Probably the most unpleasant part of the colonoscopy is the bowel cleansing that needs to be done the day before the procedure. Laxatives are sometimes prescribed to make sure the colon is fully emptied. This bowel cleaning laxative treatment means spending the day at home in easy reach of a toilet. Cleaning out the colon is the worst step, for the actual exam, you will be given meds to help relax.

Because more harmful diseases can seem like hemorrhoids, it is best to get the advice of a medical professional. These can include colon cancer, polyps, rectal cancer, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis which are inflammatory bowel diseases. Sometimes you can have other problems such as tears and infections. Some conditions present with the same symptoms and need to be eliminated before a correct diagnosis can be made.

Since hemorrhoid conditions are much more common than the other medical conditions, it is more likely than not that your diagnosis will be hemorrhoids, but a doctor’s visit is necessary before you start any hemroid treatment. Make that doctor’s appointment so you can sleep better at night and make sure you stay healthy.