When Your Bum Wants a Second Opinion, A Calm Guide to GP Visits

There comes a point where Google, lukewarm baths and awkward supermarket aisle loitering are not cutting it. When your bum is sending repeat complaints, getting a GP involved is not dramatic, it is sensible. This guide walks you through what to expect from a GP visit about haemorrhoids so you can go in prepared, informed and as relaxed as the situation allows.

When is it time to see your GP about haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids are common, irritating and, in many cases, settle with good self care. A GP appointment is a good idea if:

• You have rectal bleeding, even small amounts, more than once
• The pain, itching or swelling is stopping you sitting, sleeping or working comfortably
• Over the counter creams and lifestyle changes are not helping after a couple of weeks
• You notice a lump that feels different or is getting bigger
• You have changes in your bowel habit that you cannot explain
• You have a history of bowel conditions and new symptoms on top

If you have heavy bleeding, feel faint or unwell, or have severe pain that comes on suddenly, that is not one for “see how it goes”. Call NHS 111 or seek urgent medical help.

Getting ready for your GP appointment

Turning up and muttering “it's my bum” is an option. A better option is giving your GP enough detail to work out what is going on quickly. A little prep helps, especially when you feel embarrassed.

Make a simple symptom timeline

Jot a few notes on your phone or a bit of paper:

• When the symptoms started
• What you feel, for example itching, burning, swelling, pain, bleeding
• When it is worst, for example during bowel movements or after sitting for long periods
• Anything that seems to trigger a flare, such as constipation or heavy lifting
• Anything that helps, such as warm baths or gentle wipes

Note treatments and habits

Your GP will want to know what you have tried already and what your usual routine looks like. Include:

• Any creams, tablets or suppositories
• Whether you use dry toilet paper, wipes or both
• Your usual bowel habit, for example how often you go and whether you strain
• Recent changes, such as a new job with more sitting or a new medication

Decide what you want from the appointment

It helps to be clear about your main concern. Do you want to check nothing serious is going on? Do you want pain relief? Do you want help with constipation? You can even write a one line summary like “I am here because I have had bleeding and pain for three weeks and I want to understand what is causing it”.

What usually happens in a GP appointment for haemorrhoids

GPs look at bottoms all the time. Yours is not the first and will not be the last. The more you know about what might happen, the less your brain fills the gaps with worst case scenarios.

The questions

Your GP will usually ask about:

• Symptoms, including pain, itching, swelling and bleeding
• Your bowel habit, for example constipation, diarrhoea or both
• Your diet and fluid intake
• Any weight loss or tiredness
• Family history of bowel conditions
• Medicines you take, including over the counter products and supplements

Honest answers help them work out whether this sounds like straightforward haemorrhoids, or whether they should look for something else.

The examination

Your GP may suggest an examination of your back passage. You can ask what they are going to do before you agree. You can ask for a chaperone. You can say no. It is your body.

A typical examination involves:

• Privacy to undress from the waist down behind a curtain
• Lying on your side or in another position your GP suggests
• A visual check of the anal area
• Possibly a gloved, lubricated finger gently placed into the back passage to feel for lumps or tenderness

It may feel strange and a bit uncomfortable, but it should not be extremely painful. If it hurts, tell the GP straight away so they can stop or adjust what they are doing.

Questions you can ask your GP

You are allowed to ask questions, to ask for things to be repeated and to say if you are worried. Some useful questions:

• Does this sound like simple haemorrhoids or is there anything else you are considering?
• Do I need any tests or referrals?
• What treatment are you recommending and how long should I try it?
• What can I do at home to help this settle and stop it coming back?
• When should I come back if it is not improving?
• Are there any warning signs I should seek urgent help for?

If you forget everything, ask for a simple written plan or type key points into your phone before you leave the room.

Treatment options your GP might discuss

Treatment depends on how severe your haemorrhoids are, and whether there is anything else going on. GPs often combine several approaches.

Lifestyle and self care

You might hear advice about:

• Eating more fibre and drinking more fluids to soften stools
• Avoiding straining on the toilet and not sitting there for long periods
• Gentle exercise to keep things moving
• Warm baths or sitz baths to soothe discomfort
• Switching from rough toilet paper to gentle cleansing that reduces friction

Medicines and procedures

Depending on your symptoms, your GP may suggest:

• Creams or suppositories to reduce inflammation and pain
• Pain relief tablets if needed
• Laxatives if constipation is a problem
• A referral to a specialist clinic if haemorrhoids are large, keep recurring or do not respond to first line treatments

The aim is to reduce symptoms, prevent flare ups and rule out anything more serious, not to make you feel judged for having a sore bum.

Where gentle wipes fit into your GP plan

One of the simplest changes you can make is how you clean the area. Dry toilet paper creates friction. Inflamed skin does not enjoy friction, especially when it is already protesting. Many GPs encourage patients with haemorrhoids to keep the area clean with water or with gentle wipes that avoid alcohol and harsh fragrances.

Uranus Wiper Flushable Calming Wipes are designed with irritated bums in mind, combining reverse osmosis purified water with soothing plant based ingredients such as witch hazel, Cynanchum atratum extract, Agrimonia pilosa and male fern root extract. They support the hygiene part of your GP plan by cleansing gently, cooling the area and respecting sensitive skin.

When to seek urgent or follow up help

Book a follow up appointment, or seek further advice, if:

• Symptoms are not improving after the time frame your GP suggested
• Pain, swelling or bleeding suddenly get worse
• You notice new symptoms, such as weight loss or ongoing tiredness
• You are worried about how often symptoms are returning

Go to urgent care, an emergency department or call NHS 111 if:

• You have heavy bleeding from the back passage
• You feel dizzy, faint or very unwell
• You have severe pain that does not ease

You are not “bothering” anyone. Bowel symptoms are important and deserve proper attention.

Leaving the appointment feeling more in control

Walking into a GP surgery to talk about your bum can feel like the longest journey in the world. Walking out with a clear plan, some treatment options and a better understanding of what is going on is worth a short spell of awkwardness.

If you forget to mention something, you can always book another appointment. If you feel shy speaking out loud, you can write a short note and hand it to your GP at the start. Your comfort, your dignity and your long term bowel health are all valid reasons to ask for help.