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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Hemorrhoids
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
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Diagnosis & Tests
How is the condition diagnosed?
To diagnose hemorrhoids, your doctor will start with a medical history and physical exam. As part of the exam, your doctor will feel for internal hemorrhoids by inserting a lubricated finger into your rectum. This is called a digital exam. Sometimes your doctor may use a hollow, lighted tube called an anoscope to view internal hemorrhoids. To rule out other disorders, he or she may order a sigmoidoscopy or proctoscopy. These tests also use a lighted tube, but look at your bowel, rather than your rectum. Your doctor may also order blood tests.