Let us know how you go kp64.
Cinders61, when you put the cream on your bottom did you feel any hard lumps. When you get piles (12 years now for me) if the pile has prolapsed it will feel like a hard pea or can get to a small marble size. The pain will be all day long.You can have piles just on the inside of the anus that haven’t prolapse yet. Mine are all prolapse.
You can also get a fissure ( which I have had since the start of July and I’m waiting to see a specialist)
A fissure usually bleeds when you poo. It feels like you’re pooping glass and the pain last for a couple of hours after. I’m at the point after a couple I don’t bleed anymore just get pain.
Now about seeing a doctor, please do. I’ve had male and female doctors seen my butt over the years. It’s their job, and it’s the best way for them to make help you. It’s always very above board. I live in Australia and was seeing a specialist about 3 years ago. He wanted to do examination with his finger and a camera. He explained what he wanted to do and brought in a female nurse to watch why he did his examination. And will probably will have another examination again soon. So I think that’s will be number 4

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Hope you both get some answers soon