First Visit to a Proctologist — Dr. Justyna Szul Answers Without Taboo

Series: Questions for a proctologist · Editorial preparation: Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej editorial team · Medical co-author: Justyna Szul, MD, proctologist, surgeon · Medical authorization: Justyna Szul, MD — to be confirmed before publication · Publication: to be completed · Updated: 10.07.2026

This article is educational and does not replace a proctology consultation. Severe anal pain, fever, increasing swelling, pus, heavy bleeding, black or dark red stool, inability to pass gas or stool, or deterioration of general condition require urgent medical assessment.

Key Points in Brief

• A visit to a proctologist begins with a conversation. The examination is performed when needed and after the next steps have been explained to the patient.
• Rectal bleeding does not always mean hemorrhoids; similar symptoms may be caused by a fissure, inflammation, a polyp, bowel disease, or another cause.
• Pain during bowel movements, burning, and bright red blood may suggest an anal fissure, but diagnosis requires examination.
• A lump near the anus may be a hemorrhoid, an external thrombosis, an abscess, a skin tag, or another lesion.
• Not every patient needs a procedure; some problems can be treated conservatively, but an abscess, fistula, or advanced hemorrhoids may require intervention.
• A proctological examination may be uncomfortable, and with a fissure or abscess it may be painful; the patient should report pain and tension.
• Before the visit, fasting or using laxatives on your own is usually not necessary unless registration staff or the doctor advises otherwise.
• The worst strategy is long-term self-treatment with "hemorrhoid" ointments without a diagnosis.

Learn more about the specialist

This material from the "Questions for a proctologist" series was prepared with the participation of the doctor answering patients' questions. Before publication, it should receive final medical authorization from the specialist involved in diagnosing and treating anal diseases, including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fistulas, abscesses, and pilonidal cysts.

Meet Justyna Szul, MD

Does the "questions for a proctologist" format make sense for SEO?

Yes. Patients very often search for direct answers: "does a proctologist visit hurt", "what does a proctological examination look like", "blood from the anus is it hemorrhoids", "pain during bowel movement", "lump near the anus", "how to prepare for a proctologist", "female proctologist Gdansk", or "proctologist Gdansk without embarrassment". The Q&A format responds well to these intentions and supports visibility in Google and in AI-generated answers.

In proctology, E-E-A-T is especially important: medical co-author, medical authorization, update date, sources, warning symptoms, and careful language. The text should not promise a "painless" examination or suggest that every rectal bleed is hemorrhoids.

Does a visit to a proctologist have to be embarrassing?

Embarrassment is common and understandable. The visit concerns a very intimate area, and symptoms such as bleeding, itching, pain, lumps, discharge, gas incontinence, or problems with bowel movements can be difficult for patients to name. For a proctologist, however, these are everyday medical topics.

A good consultation should respect privacy: first a conversation, then an explanation of what scope of examination is needed, why, and what the patient can expect. The patient has the right to say that they are afraid, that they feel pain, or that they need a slower pace.

Which symptoms should prompt a visit to a proctologist?

It is worth seeing a proctologist if you notice:

• blood in the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl,
• pain during bowel movements or pain that persists after passing stool,
• burning, itching, irritation, or discharge from the anal area,
• a lump, swelling, skin fold, or a feeling of tissue prolapse,
• pus, soiling of underwear, or recurrent discharge,
• recurrent constipation or diarrhea,
• a feeling of incomplete evacuation,
• tailbone pain or a painful lesion in the cleft between the buttocks,
• recurrent symptoms despite using ointments or suppositories,
• a change in bowel rhythm without a clear cause.

It is not worth assuming that it is "definitely hemorrhoids". Hemorrhoids are common, but similar symptoms may also be caused by an anal fissure, abscess, fistula, external thrombosis, pilonidal cyst, skin inflammation, or bowel disease.

Is a procedure always necessary?

No. Many proctological complaints start with conservative treatment: stool regulation, changes in toilet habits, topical treatment, pain control, limiting straining, and managing factors that worsen symptoms. This applies to some cases of hemorrhoidal disease, acute anal fissure, itching, or skin irritation.

There are, however, situations in which conservative treatment is not enough. An abscess usually requires urgent assessment and often drainage. A fistula requires assessment of the tract and selection of a treatment method. Advanced hemorrhoidal disease, chronic fissure, or a pilonidal cyst may require procedural treatment after qualification.

The treatment method depends on the diagnosis, stage, pain, recurrences, anatomy, and the patient's condition. Minimally invasive techniques may be beneficial for selected people, but they are not the best solution for everyone.

What treatment methods may be used in proctology?

After diagnosis, the doctor may propose conservative treatment, an office procedure, or surgery. Depending on the problem, the discussion may include:

• conservative treatment of hemorrhoids, fissure, or itching,
• rubber band ligation of hemorrhoids using the Barron method in selected patients,
• laser treatment of hemorrhoids after qualification,
• treatment of anal fissure, including topical treatment or botulinum toxin in selected patients,
• incision and drainage of an abscess if indicated,
• treatment of an anal fistula tailored to its course and the risk to the sphincters,
• treatment of a pilonidal cyst, including tissue-sparing or classic methods, depending on the case.

The method should not be chosen based on advertising. First, it is necessary to know exactly what is being treated.

Can you prepare for a proctologist visit?

Preparation is usually simple, but it depends on the type of visit and whether anoscopy or another procedure is planned. It is worth confirming recommendations during registration.

Before the first consultation, it is worth:

• writing down symptoms: how long they have lasted, whether there is blood, pain, itching, a lump, pus, or constipation,
• noting what worsens symptoms: bowel movement, sitting, sport, diet, diarrhea, or constipation,
• bringing a list of medications, especially anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs,
• bringing previous test results, colonoscopy reports, histopathology results, or discharge summaries after procedures,
• not using new ointments, suppositories, or home methods just before the visit unless needed, if they may mask symptoms,
• taking care of normal hygiene of the anal area, without aggressive washing or irritating products.

Do not use laxatives or fast on your own unless instructed to do so. Excessive preparation may irritate the anal area and make assessment more difficult.

What does an examination by a proctologist look like?

The examination begins with a medical history. The doctor asks about bleeding, pain, bowel movements, constipation, diarrhea, itching, discharge, lumps, previous treatment, childbirth, chronic diseases, medications, procedures, and colon examinations.

The doctor may then propose:

• inspection of the anal area,
• digital rectal examination, meaning examination with a finger through the anus,
• anoscopy, meaning assessment of the anal canal with a short speculum,
• additional testing or referral for colonoscopy if indicated,
• postponing the full examination if pain is too severe and inflammation needs to be reduced first.

The examination may be brief and well tolerated, but it should not be promised that it is always painless. With a fissure, abscess, thrombosis, or strong sphincter tension, it may be painful. The patient should inform the doctor about pain during the examination.

Does a proctologist treat only hemorrhoids?

No. Hemorrhoids are one of the more common reasons for a visit, but proctology covers many more problems. A proctologist deals with anal fissures, external thrombosis, abscesses, fistulas, pilonidal cysts, anal itching, skin tags, inflammatory lesions, anal pain, gas or stool incontinence, and diagnosis of rectal bleeding.

Sometimes a symptom in the anal area may require cooperation with a gastroenterologist, dermatologist, gynecologist, urologist, pelvic floor physiotherapist, or surgeon. Good diagnostics means identifying the source of the symptom, not assigning every complaint to hemorrhoids.

Can you function normally after a proctological procedure?

It depends on the procedure and the diagnosis. After some office procedures, the patient can return to calm activities quickly, while others require a longer healing period, follow-up, dressings, and restrictions on sport, sitting, lifting, or sexual activity.

Recovery after rubber band ligation of hemorrhoids, laser hemorrhoid treatment, abscess drainage, fistula treatment, or pilonidal cyst treatment looks different. Before the procedure, it is therefore necessary to discuss pain after the procedure, dressings, hygiene, bowel movements, diet, follow-up, possible bleeding, and warning symptoms.

When should you not delay the visit?

A quick or urgent consultation is required in case of:

• heavy bleeding or clots,
• black, tarry, or dark red stool,
• severe, increasing anal pain,
• pain with fever, chills, or feeling unwell,
• increasing swelling, redness, or suspected abscess,
• pus, discharge, or soiling of underwear,
• inability to pass gas or stool,
• weight loss, weakness, anemia, or a positive fecal occult blood test,
• bleeding that recurs or appears for the first time without a clear cause.

Do you have pain, bleeding, itching, or a lump near the anus?

Do not assume it is "definitely hemorrhoids". A proctology consultation helps identify the cause of symptoms and choose treatment according to the diagnosis.

Proctology at Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej in Gdansk

On the WMP website, Justyna Szul, MD is described as a proctologist, surgeon, and phlebologist in Gdansk, with experience in treating anal diseases, including hemorrhoids and anal fissures. In proctological work, correct diagnostics are important, as are a calm atmosphere, discretion, and respect for the patient's privacy.

Depending on the problem, the patient may require a proctology consultation, digital rectal examination, anoscopy, conservative treatment, an office procedure, or surgical treatment. The current scope of services, doctor availability, prices, and preparation for the visit should be confirmed during registration.

Learn more about the specialist Proctologist Gdansk Anoscopy Hemorrhoid treatment

What should you ask the proctologist during the visit?

• Are my symptoms really caused by hemorrhoids?
• Does the bleeding require additional diagnostics?
• Could the pain mean a fissure, abscess, thrombosis, or another disease?
• Is anoscopy needed?
• Can I try conservative treatment first?
• What warning symptoms mean I should seek urgent care?
• What should I avoid using without a diagnosis?
• How should I care for bowel movements and hygiene so symptoms do not worsen?
• Do my medications increase the risk of bleeding during a procedure?
• When should I come for a follow-up?

FAQ: first visit to a proctologist

Is a visit to a proctologist embarrassing?

Embarrassment is common, but for a proctologist pain, bleeding, itching, a lump, or discharge are standard medical symptoms. The visit should respect privacy and include a clear explanation of the examination.

Does a proctological examination hurt?

It may be uncomfortable, and with a fissure, abscess, thrombosis, or strong tension it may hurt. The examination should not be forced; the patient should report pain to the doctor.

Is blood from the anus always hemorrhoids?

No. Hemorrhoids are a common cause of bleeding, but rectal bleeding may have other causes as well. Recurrent or new bleeding requires consultation and proper diagnostics.

Is a procedure always needed?

No. Some problems can be treated conservatively, for example with stool regulation, topical treatment, and habit changes. A procedure is considered when the disease requires it or conservative treatment does not help.

How should I prepare for a proctologist?

Usually normal hygiene, a list of symptoms, a list of medications, and previous test results are enough. Do not fast, use laxatives, or apply new ointments on your own unless this was recommended during registration.

Does a proctologist treat only hemorrhoids?

No. A proctologist also treats anal fissures, abscesses, fistulas, pilonidal cysts, external thrombosis, anal itching, anal pain, inflammatory lesions, and diagnoses bleeding.

When are proctological symptoms urgent?

Urgent symptoms include heavy bleeding, black or dark red stool, severe increasing pain, fever, pus, increasing swelling, inability to pass gas or stool, or deterioration of general condition.

Who provides proctology consultations at WMP?

On the WMP website, Justyna Szul, MD is described as a proctologist, surgeon, and phlebologist in Gdansk. The current scope of consultations, examinations, and procedures should be confirmed during registration.

Sources for medical and editorial verification

• Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, Justyna Szul, MD: https://www.wyspamedycynyprzyjaznej.pl/pl/justyna-szul-proktolog
• Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, proctologist Gdansk: https://www.wyspamedycynyprzyjaznej.pl/pl/proktolog-gdansk
• Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, proctology consultation: https://www.wyspamedycynyprzyjaznej.pl/pl/konsultacja-proktologiczna-gdansk
• Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, hemorrhoid treatment: https://www.wyspamedycynyprzyjaznej.pl/pl/leczenie-zylakow-odbytu-hemoroidow-gdansk
• Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, proctology price list: https://www.wyspamedycynyprzyjaznej.pl/pl/cennik-proktologia
• ASCRS, Hemorrhoids expanded information: https://fascrs.org/Web/Web/Patients/Diseases-and-Conditions/A-Z/Hemorrhoids-Expanded-Information.aspx
• ASCRS, Management of Hemorrhoids 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline: https://www.ascrsu.com/ascrs/view/ASCRS-Toolkit/2851101/all/Management_of_Hemorrhoids__2024_
• ASCRS, Anal Fissure expanded information: https://fascrs.org/Web/Web/Patients/Diseases-and-Conditions/A-Z/Anal-Fissure-Expanded-Information.aspx
• NHS, Anal fissure: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anal-fissure/
• NHS, Piles haemorrhoids: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/piles-haemorrhoids/
• NHS, Anal pain: https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/anal-pain/
• NHS, Rectal bleeding: https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/bleeding-from-the-bottom-rectal-bleeding/
• Google Search Central, Creating helpful, reliable, people-first content: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/creating-helpful-content
• Google Search Central, Article structured data: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/structured-data/article
• Google Search Quality Rater Guidelines: https://guidelines.raterhub.com/searchqualityevaluatorguidelines.pdf