The physical examination should include oral, genital and anal examination. In female patients, a vaginal speculum should always be used to visualise the cervix and bimanual pelvic examination should be done. In patients with anorectal symptoms and in homosexual men, proctoscopy should be done to exclude anal canal pathology.
Patients must be treated with the same consideration as other patients. The examination should be carried out in privacy without interruption. Appropriate instruments should be used with gentleness and skill.
Laboratory investigations are directed at:
confirmation of the existence of disease; and
identification of the causative organism or organisms.
Patients should be told what investigations are being done and why they are considered necessary.
The investigations to be undertaken will be determined by the presentation and clinical findings, test results and the differential diagnosis
*18/56/1*
