Feeling Embarrassed About Seeing a Proctologist — Questions for a Specialist About the Examination, Trust, and Proctology Without Taboo

Series: Questions for a proctologist · Editorial preparation: Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej editorial team · Medical co-author: Kamil Smok, MD, surgeon practicing proctology · Medical authorization: Kamil Smok, 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. Rectal bleeding, severe pain, abscess, fever, increasing swelling, pus discharge, change in bowel rhythm, or symptoms persisting despite treatment require individual medical assessment.

Key Points in Brief

• Embarrassment before seeing a proctologist is common, but it should not delay diagnostics of pain, bleeding, a lump, itching, or abscess.
• A proctologist deals with symptoms around the anus and rectum; for the doctor this is a standard part of medicine, not a subject for judgment.
• A proctological examination should respect privacy, calmly explain next steps, and be performed with the patient's consent.
• Blood from the anus does not always mean hemorrhoids; it may have different causes and requires proper diagnostics.
• Severe pain, fever, abscess, increasing swelling, pus discharge, or inability to pass stool/gas require urgent consultation.
• The patient has the right to tell the doctor they are afraid, need a slower pace, or want to discuss the examination first.
• Proctological care should be accessible and respectful for every patient, regardless of sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or health history.
• The worst strategy is long-term self-treatment "for hemorrhoids" 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 a specialist involved in diagnosing and treating anal diseases, including hemorrhoids, fissures, fistulas, abscesses, and pilonidal cysts.

Meet Kamil Smok, MD

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

Yes. Patients often search very specific questions: "does a proctological examination hurt", "what does a proctologist visit look like", "does a proctologist judge", "I am ashamed to go to a proctologist", "blood from the anus is it hemorrhoids", "proctologist Gdansk". The Q&A format responds well to these intentions and can support visibility in Google and AI-generated answers.

In this topic, E-E-A-T is especially important: a doctor as medical co-author, editorial preparation, medical authorization, update date, sources, and language that does not shame the patient. The text should encourage diagnostics, but it must not downplay warning symptoms.

Why does a visit to a proctologist cause so much embarrassment?

A proctology visit concerns a very intimate part of the body, so stress and embarrassment are understandable. Some patients fear the examination, pain, nudity, judgment of appearance, smell, sexual orientation, sexual practices, or that the doctor will "think something".

In practice, the proctologist focuses on the symptom: pain, bleeding, itching, a lump, discharge, fissure, abscess, fistula, hemorrhoids, or bowel movement problems. For the doctor, this is a medical examination, like assessing the throat, skin, abdomen, or a joint. The goal is not to judge the patient, but to identify the cause and choose treatment.

Does the doctor really not judge?

A professional medical consultation should be free from judgment. The patient comes with a symptom, fear, or question, and the doctor's role is to take the history, perform the examination with respect for privacy, and suggest the next steps.

You do not need to describe the problem "nicely" or use medical language. It is enough to say simply: it hurts, it bleeds, it itches, a lump appeared, I have trouble passing stool, I am afraid of the examination, I am embarrassed. That is a sufficient start to the conversation.

Is the proctologist open to LGBTQ+ patients?

Proctological care should be accessible, discreet, and respectful for every patient, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, age, sex, appearance, health history, or sexual practices.

In practice, this means neutral language, no assumptions, confidentiality, and questions asked only when medically needed. Sometimes information about anal sex, sexually transmitted infections, pain after intercourse, bleeding after sexual contact, or previous injuries may be diagnostically important. The patient has the right to know why the doctor is asking and how this information affects treatment.

If the patient uses a specific name, grammatical form, or pronouns, it is worth telling the staff. This helps keep the visit calm and safe.

How are comfort and privacy ensured during a proctological examination?

Patient comfort begins before the examination. The doctor should explain what will happen, why the examination is being performed, and what the patient can expect. The patient has the right to ask questions, request a pause, and report pain or discomfort.

In practice, important elements include:

• discreet conditions for preparing for the examination,
• single-use protective materials,
• explanation of each stage of the examination,
• exposing only what is necessary,
• a calm pace of the visit,
• the possibility to report pain, tension, or the need for a break,
• respect for patient boundaries and clear consent to examination.

What does the first proctology visit look like?

The first visit usually begins with a conversation. The doctor asks about symptoms, duration, bleeding, pain, bowel movements, constipation, diarrhea, itching, discharge, lumps, previous treatment, chronic diseases, medications, and past procedures.

The doctor may then examine the anal area, perform a digital rectal examination, anoscopy, or another examination if needed. The scope depends on symptoms and patient tolerance. If pain is very severe, the doctor may first limit the examination and plan further diagnostics after symptoms improve.

Does a proctological examination hurt?

It should not be performed "by force". In some patients the examination is only uncomfortable, while in others it may hurt, especially with an anal fissure, abscess, severe inflammation, external thrombosis, or strong sphincter tension.

If the patient feels pain, they should tell the doctor. Sometimes the scope of examination can be changed, a gentler approach used, anoscopy postponed, or pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory treatment started first. The aim of the examination is to help, not to "test endurance".

Which proctological problems are related to lifestyle?

Not all anal diseases are "civilization diseases", but lifestyle may increase the risk of some symptoms. Long sitting, constipation, low fiber intake, dehydration, low physical activity, delaying bowel movements, straining on the toilet, and chronic stress may worsen complaints.

Common problems patients bring to a proctologist include:

• hemorrhoidal disease — may cause bleeding, itching, a lump, discomfort, or tissue prolapse,
• anal fissure — often causes sharp pain during bowel movement and bright red bleeding,
• perianal abscess — may cause severe pain, swelling, fever, and requires urgent assessment,
• anal fistula — may present with recurrent discharge, pain, or inflammation,
• pilonidal cyst — often affects the cleft between the buttocks and may cause pain, swelling, or purulent discharge,
• constipation — may worsen pain, bleeding, hemorrhoids, and fissures.

Not all of these conditions can be "fixed with diet". Lifestyle may help, but pain, bleeding, abscess, fistula, or recurrence requires diagnostics.

When should you not wait with the visit?

It is not worth delaying consultation if there is:

• blood in the stool, on paper, or in the toilet, especially if recurrent,
• severe anal pain, especially increasing, throbbing, or preventing sitting,
• a lump near the anus that grows quickly or is very painful,
• fever, chills, or feeling worse with anal pain,
• pus, discharge, soiling of underwear, or unpleasant odor,
• sudden change in bowel rhythm, diarrhea, or constipation without a clear cause,
• weight loss, weakness, anemia, or a positive fecal occult blood test,
• recurrent symptoms despite ointments or suppositories,
• pain after sexual contact, injury, or a procedure around the anus.

Rectal bleeding should not automatically be assumed to be hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are common, but the doctor should assess whether there is another cause.

Can proctology be discussed with empathy?

It must be. The patient often comes not only with pain, but also with tension, shame, fear of diagnosis, and fear of examination. Good communication can determine whether the patient tells the whole truth, reports warning symptoms, and returns for follow-up.

Empathy does not mean avoiding difficult topics. It means calmly explaining why we ask about bowel movements, blood, pain, anal sex, discharge, gas incontinence, or previous procedures. In proctology, details the patient considers embarrassing are often simply important diagnostic information.

What mistakes do patients make before the visit?

The most common mistakes are not the patient's "fault", but the effect of shame, fear, and easy access to online advice. Still, it is worth avoiding them:

• using "hemorrhoid" ointments for weeks without a diagnosis,
• downplaying bleeding because "it is probably just a small vessel",
• treating anal pain only with painkillers,
• squeezing a lump or abscess,
• postponing the visit because of fear of examination,
• using aggressive hygiene products, irrigation, alcohol, or home methods,
• hiding information about anal sex, sexually transmitted diseases, injury, or previous procedures if relevant to symptoms,
• skipping follow-up when symptoms temporarily improve.

How can you mentally prepare for the first visit?

You do not need to be "brave". It is enough to come and tell the doctor what is hardest: shame, pain, fear of examination, a previous bad experience, concern about sexual orientation, traumatic memories, or a problem with nudity. These are important organizational and medical details.

Before the visit, you can write down symptoms: how long they have lasted, whether there is blood, what the pain is like, whether constipation, diarrhea, itching, discharge, fever, or a lump occur, and whether symptoms appear after bowel movement or intercourse. Such a list often makes the conversation easier and reduces stress.

Are you embarrassed to visit a proctologist?

That is common. But pain, bleeding, a lump, itching, or abscess require diagnostics, without judgment, with respect for privacy and at a calm pace.

Proctology at Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej in Gdansk

At Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, proctology consultations and treatment are provided, among others, by doctors dealing with diseases of the anus and perianal area. On the WMP website, Kamil Smok, MD is described as a surgeon practicing proctology in Gdansk, including treatment of hemorrhoids, fissures, fistulas, abscesses, and pilonidal cysts.

The current scope of consultations, examinations, procedures, doctor availability, prices, and preparation for the visit should be confirmed during registration.

Learn more about the specialist Proctologist Gdansk Anoscopy

What should you ask the proctologist during the visit?

• Could my symptoms be caused by hemorrhoids, fissure, abscess, fistula, infection, or another cause?
• Does bleeding require additional diagnostics?
• Will the examination be painful and can it be stopped if it is too difficult?
• Is anoscopy needed?
• Which warning symptoms require urgent contact?
• Can I return to work, sport, or intercourse after the examination or procedure?
• How should I care for anal hygiene without irritating the skin?
• Can diet, fiber, fluids, and activity help in my case?
• What should I avoid using without a diagnosis?
• When should I come for follow-up?

FAQ: embarrassment before a proctologist and the first visit

Does a proctologist judge the patient?

A professional medical consultation is not about judging. The doctor focuses on symptoms, diagnostics, safety, and treatment. The patient has the right to speak directly about shame and concerns.

Does a proctological examination hurt?

For some patients it is only uncomfortable, but with a fissure, abscess, severe inflammation, or strong tension it may hurt. The examination should not be forced; the patient should report pain to the doctor.

Do you need special preparation for the first visit?

It depends on the type of visit and planned examination. The most important thing is to write down symptoms, medications, diseases, and previous treatment. Detailed preparation should be confirmed during registration.

Is blood from the anus always hemorrhoids?

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

When should you urgently see a proctologist?

Urgent consultation is needed for severe pain, increasing swelling, fever, pus, recurrent or worsening bleeding, a lump near the anus, sudden change in bowel rhythm, or suspected abscess.

Can an LGBTQ+ patient tell the doctor about their concerns?

Yes. The patient has the right to respect, confidentiality, and neutral language. Information about sexual practices is needed only when relevant to diagnostics, such as pain, bleeding, injury, or infection.

Can I ask the doctor to slow down the examination?

Yes. The patient may ask for each stage to be explained, for a short pause, or to be informed before each part of the examination. This is part of good medical communication.

Who consults proctological problems at WMP?

On the WMP website, Kamil Smok, MD is described as a surgeon practicing proctology in Gdansk, including treatment of hemorrhoids, fissures, fistulas, abscesses, and pilonidal cysts. The current scope and availability should be confirmed during registration.

Sources for medical and editorial verification

• ASCRS, Management of Hemorrhoids 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline: https://www.ascrsu.com/ascrs/view/ASCRS-Toolkit/2851101/all/Management_of_Hemorrhoids__2024_
• ASCRS, Hemorrhoids — patient information: https://fascrs.org/Web/Web/Patients/Diseases-and-Conditions/A-Z/Hemorrhoids.aspx
• ASCRS, Hemorrhoids expanded information: https://fascrs.org/Web/Web/Patients/Diseases-and-Conditions/A-Z/Hemorrhoids-Expanded-Information.aspx
• NHS, Anal fissure: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anal-fissure/
• Guy's and St Thomas' NHS, Anal fissure treatment: https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/health-information/anal-fissure-treatment
• NIHR Evidence, Improving communication with LGBT+ people in healthcare settings: https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/alert/how-can-we-improve-communication-lgbt-people-healthcare-settings/
• King's College London, ABC of LGBT+ Inclusive Communication: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/nmpc/assets/research/projects/abc-lgbt-inclusive-communication.pdf
• Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, Kamil Smok, MD: https://www.wyspamedycynyprzyjaznej.pl/pl/kamil-smok-chirurg-gdansk
• 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
• 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