Physical examination

Your doctor may conduct a physical exam as part of your diagnosis, or after, as a means of monitoring the condition of your IBD. This involves using the fingers to feel (i.e., palpate) the abdominal area for signs of disease (e.g., tenderness, pain, distension). Your doctor may also inspect the areas around the anus for signs of disease. These signs include tears in the anal area (anal fissure), perianal fistulas (abnormal channel/passage from the rectum to an area adjacent to the anus), skin tags (excess skin growths), and perianal abscess (pus-filled cavity). Your doctor may also look for inflammation in other areas that might indicate IBD, such as the joints, eyes and skin.