Exams and Tests

• The diagnosis of proctalgia fugax is made by history. The doctor may do a rectal exam on the patient to rule out other causes of the pain.

• A digital rectal exam is needed to make the diagnosis of levator ani syndrome. During the exam, the doctor can feel the levator ani muscles. The muscles may feel tight, and touching them can reproduce the pain.

• The doctor can make the diagnosis of a thrombosed hemorrhoid by doing a visual exam of the patient's rectum.

• The diagnosis of anal fissure is usually made by a visual exam.