“Do you feel embarrassed about visiting a proctologist? Or are you wondering,
‘Will the examination be painful?’
‘Do I need an enema before my appointment?’ or
‘What happens during a proctologist examination?’“
These concerns are completely understandable and perfectly natural.
Many people delay treatment for rectal or anal (guda) problems because they feel embarrassed or fear an uncomfortable examination. Unfortunately, delaying medical care can allow conditions to become more serious.
Dr. Zeel Sheth Agrawal, Consultant General & Laparoscopic Surgeon and Proctology Specialist at ITSA Hospitals, Raipur, says a proctologist examination is usually quick and less intimidating than most people might think.
Whether you’re experiencing rectal bleeding (potty ke time khoon aana), pain during bowel movements (potty karte waqt dard), itching (khujli), or recurrent hemorrhoids (piles/bawasir), understanding what to expect makes your medical journey more confident and at ease.
A proctologist (piles specialist) is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the anus (guda), rectum (badi aant ka aakhri hissa), and the lower part of the colon (badi aant). Also known as a colorectal specialist, they manage a wide range of anorectal disorders that can affect bowel function and affect your comfort.
Some of the most common conditions treated include:
If symptoms such as bleeding, pain, swelling, or changes in bowel habits (potty ki aadat me badlav) persist, consulting a proctology specialist can help identify the underlying cause and prevent complications.
An enema is a procedure in which liquid is gently introduced into the rectum to empty the lower bowel before certain medical tests or treatments.
For most first-time consultations, an enema is not required.
Your consultation begins with a discussion about your symptoms. Your doctor may ask about rectal bleeding, pain, itching, constipation (kabz), bowel habits (potty ki aadat), previous medical conditions, medications, and any prior treatments. Honest answers help the specialist understand your health concerns and provide an accurate diagnosis.
Physical Examination
A gentle external examination of the anal area (gude ke bahar ka hissa) is performed to look for visible conditions such as hemorrhoids, fissures, skin tags, swelling, or signs of infection.
If needed, the doctor may perform a Digital Rectal Examination (DRE), commonly known as a finger examination (ungli se jaanch). During this brief examination, a lubricated, gloved finger is gently inserted into the rectum to assess muscle tone, tenderness, or any abnormal growths. Most patients experience only mild discomfort, and the examination usually takes less than a minute.
If a closer look is needed, your doctor may recommend an anoscopy. This quick outpatient procedure uses a small instrument called an anoscope to examine the anal canal (gude ke andar ka hissa) and lower rectum. It is only performed when necessary to confirm a diagnosis or evaluate symptoms further.
A Myth, An enema is required before every first appointment.
The Fact is, for a routine proctologist examination, an enema is usually not necessary. It is recommended only when specific procedures require a clearer view of the rectum or lower bowel. Your doctor will always let you know in advance if any preparation is needed.
An enema may be recommended only if:
For most routine consultations, maintaining normal personal hygiene is sufficient
You should consult a proctologist if you experience:
You should consult a proctologist if you experience:
Seeking medical care early often leads to quicker recovery.
Embarrassment is one of the biggest reasons people ignore anorectal symptoms.
However, conditions such as hemorrhoids, fissures, fistulas, or colorectal diseases often become more difficult to treat when diagnosis is delayed.
Dr. Zeel Sheth Agrawal encourages patients to remember that these are common medical conditions and nothing to be embarrassed about. Seeking timely medical care can prevent complications and improve treatment outcomes.
A proctologist examination is generally much simpler and usually lasts only a few minutes. In most cases, your first visit involves discussing your symptoms, a gentle physical assessment, and additional examinations only if medically required. Contrary to popular belief, an enema is not routinely needed before a consultation.
If you’ve been postponing a visit because of fear or embarrassment, your symptoms may worsen over time.
Consulting Dr. Zeel Sheth Agrawal, Proctology Specialist at ITSA Hospitals, Raipur, can help you receive an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment, allowing you to return to a healthier, more comfortable life.
1. What is proctology?
Proctology is the branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the anus, rectum, and lower part of the colon, including hemorrhoids (piles), anal fissures, fistulas, rectal bleeding, and other anorectal disorders.
2. Is a proctologist examination painful?
Usually, no. Most proctologist examinations involve a visual inspection first and are not painful. If a Digital Rectal Examination is required, your doctor will perform it gently and stop if you experience significant discomfort.
3. Do I need an enema before seeing a proctologist?
No. Most routine consultations do not require an enema unless recommended for specific procedures.
4. What does a proctologist treat?
A proctologist treats hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fistulas, pilonidal sinus, rectal bleeding, abscesses, rectal prolapse, polyps, and other anorectal disorders.
5. How long does a proctologist appointment take?
A first consultation usually lasts 20–30 minutes, depending on your symptoms and whether additional examination is required.
6. When should I see a proctologist?
You should see a nearby proctologist if you have rectal bleeding, pain, persistent itching, lumps, constipation, or changes in bowel habits that don’t improve.
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