American Academy of Family Physicians have two detailed articles on ‘Common Anorectal Conditions’ on their website. The articles are intended for doctors. They explain how doctors examine the anus. They discuss itching, pain, bleeding, lumps, constipation and incontinence of faeces.
www.aafp.org/afp/20010615/2391.html
www.aafp.org/afp/20010701/77.html

Bowel control. This website is provided by St Mark’s Hospital, UK, which is a hospital specializing in bowel problems. The site covers faecal leakage, constipation and wind. It is a first-rate site that is very practical and informative.
www.bowelcontrol.org.uk

Digestive Disorders Foundation is a UK not-for-profit organization that provides reliable information about all gut problems. They supply a range of leaflets, which are available by post (send an sae) or on the ‘Patients info leaflets’ section of the website. Write to: PO Box 251, Edgeware, Middlesex HA8 6HG, UK. Tel: 0207 486 0341 (this not a helpline).
www.digestivedisorders.org.uk‘Patients info leaflets’ section of the website. Write to: PO Box 251, Edgeware, Middlesex HA8 6HG, UK. Tel: 0207 486 0341 (this not a helpline).

Pfizer, the manufacturers of Anusol, have a very pleasant website about piles.
www.pilesadvice.co.uk

Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturers of Preparation H for piles, have an informative and entertaining website. Look at the symptoms section, which includes a page on ‘Doctor’s examination’ (rectal examination). Careline in UK: 0845 111 0151.
www.preparationh.co.uk

• How the anus works
• Anal itching
• Anal pain
• Constipation
• Faecal incontinence
• Piles
• Seeing your doctor about an anal problem