Increasing Your Fibre Intake
You can gradually increase the amount of fibre in your diet by eating foods including:
- fresh fruit and vegetables
Commercial fibre supplements are also available and can be useful if you think you are not getting enough of the above foods in your diet.
Make sure you increase your fibre gradually so your digestive system has time to adapt.
Its also important to increase your fluid intake at the same time. This is because fibre in the stools acts like a sponge, absorbing moisture from the body. Try to drink lots of water. Cutting down on sugary drinks will also help you to cut down on calories that cause weight gain.
Best Ointment: Doctor Butler’s Hemorrhoid & Fissure Ointment
“This really is a miracle ointment,” . “I’ve been suffering from hemorrhoids for years and I knew when I became pregnant I was in for some trouble. I’m now 5 weeks postpartum and a few days ago I developed a thrombosed hemorrhoid. It was excruciating I am on day two with five applications already and I have much improvement.”
When To See A Physician
It is also important to note that rectal bleeding requires an immediate physician appointment. Never assume that rectal bleeding is a minor problem that will disappear on its own. Rather, view it as a cause for alarm that requires an immediate physician appointment to screen you for such problems as colorectal cancer.
Hemorrhoids occur with greater frequency as a person ages. Thus, hemorrhoid products should never be used on anyone under the age of 12 years. If you experience protrusion , you should also see a physician. These are prolapsed internal hemorrhoids that should be checked to see if they require surgical correction.
Don’t Miss: How I Cured My Hemorrhoids
Causes Of Bleeding Hemorrhoids
Bleeding haemorrhoids have certain causes that result in their occurrence. Understanding these can help detect the condition sooner and take required action as well as treatment within the right time.
Few of the major causes of bleeding haemorrhoids include
- 1. Intense pressure during bowel movement
- 2. Chronic constipation
- 5. Excessively sitting or standing
- 6. Putting pressure on the abdomen
Why Trust Verywell Health
Sarah Bradley has been writing health content since 2017covering everything from product roundups and illness FAQs to nutrition explainers and the dish on diet trends. She knows how important it is to receive trustworthy and expert-approved advice about over-the-counter products that manage everyday health conditions, from GI issues and allergies to chronic headaches and joint pain.
Recommended Reading: Hemorrhoids Rubber Band Ligation Cost
Key Points To Remember
- Home treatments for hemorrhoids work for most people: Eat more fibre, drink more fluids, use a stool softener, and use ointments to help your symptoms.
- When home treatments don’t work on internal hemorrhoids, fixative procedures may help. These are treatments that involve cutting off the blood flow to the hemorrhoids using rubber bands, lasers, heat, or electrical currents. These procedures are usually less painful than surgery.
Possible Complications And Side Effects
If you have a bleeding hemorrhoid, you might consider it a small problem, but it can still be a very painful experience. Seeing blood after we use the bathroom can be scary, but youre not alone.
There are a lot of different ways to treat a bleeding hemorrhoid and in some cases, its best to seek medical attention sooner rather than later if:
- Youre experiencing rectal bleeding or see blood on your toilet paper
- Youve tried over the counter treatments for a week with no change in symptoms
- Your bowel movements look maroon or tarry in color
If your doctor recommends surgery to treat a bleeding hemorrhoid, there are some possible complications to be aware of like :
Other treatments and medications may have different side effects. Consult your healthcare provider about possible complications of any medications you might take for a bleeding hemorrhoid.
You May Like: Can Hemorrhoids Cause Positive Cologuard
How Can I Treat My Hemorrhoids
You can most often treat your hemorrhoids at home by
- taking a stool softener or a fiber supplement such as psyllium or methylcellulose
- drinking water or other nonalcoholic liquids each day as recommended by your health care professional
- not straining during bowel movements
- not sitting on the toilet for long periods of time
- taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin
- sitting in a tub of warm water, called a sitz bath, several times a day to help relieve pain
Applying over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams or ointments or using suppositoriesa medicine you insert into your rectummay relieve mild pain, swelling, and itching of external hemorrhoids. Most often, doctors recommend using over-the-counter products for 1 week. You should follow up with your doctor if the products
- do not relieve your symptoms after 1 week
Most prolapsed internal hemorrhoids go away without at-home treatment. However, severely prolapsed or bleeding internal hemorrhoids may need medical treatment.
Warm Bath With Epsom Salt
Warm baths can help soothe irritation from hemorrhoids. Try using a sitz bath a small plastic tub that fits over a toilet seat so you can just immerse the affected area or take a bath in a tub, if you can.
Try a warm bath or a sitz bath for 20 minutes after each bowel movement. Adding Epsom salt to the bath can provide further relief by reducing pain.
Recommended Reading: Butcher’s Broom For Hemorrhoids
Are Hemorrhoid Creams Safe During Pregnancy
According to the Mayo Clinic, you can use pads soaked with witch hazel, like Tucks Medicated Cooling Pads, to relieve hemorrhoid symptoms during pregnancy. It may also be safe to use an OTC hydrocortisone cream. Its best to talk to your doctor and ask what they recommend before using any hemorrhoid remedy, but there are safe options to use during pregnancy.
When Hemorrhoid Surgery May Be Necessary
Very few people fewer than 10 percent of all adults who see a doctor because of symptomatic hemorrhoids will require a surgical operation.
Surgery to remove hemorrhoids is called a hemorrhoidectomy.
Your doctor may recommend a hemorrhoidectomy if:
- You have large external hemorrhoids
- You have both internal and external hemorrhoids
- An internal hemorrhoid has prolapsed
- You have excessive bleeding
In a hemorrhoidectomy, the doctor makes a small incision to remove the hemorrhoid and surrounding tissue before closing the wound with stitches.
A hemorrhoidectomy is performed in an operating room and can be done under general anesthesia, in which you are unconscious and unable to feel pain.
Hemorrhoidectomy is associated with postoperative pain, but the procedure is successful for 95 percent of cases.
More recently, another option aimed at avoiding the postoperative pain of a hemorrhoidectomy has become available, called a stapled hemorrhoidopexy. A circular stapling device pulls the hemorrhoidal tissue upward and to its normal position, stapling it in place. The staples eventually fall out over time.
According to a study published in the journal Techniques in Coloproctology, in the long term, patient satisfaction, resolution of symptoms, quality of life, and functional outcome appeared similar among patients after stapled hemorrhoidopexy and hemorrhoidectomy. But other sources note that stapling has been associated with a greater risk of recurrence and rectal prolapse.
You May Like: What Type Of Dr Removes Hemorrhoids
Best Treatment During Pregnancy: Motherlove Rhoid Balm
Featuring a blend of witch hazel and yarrow, the Motherlove Rhoid Balm can reduce itchiness and swelling and decrease pain in pregnancy- and childbirth-induced hemorrhoidal tissues. Other key ingredients include calendula flower, plantain leaf, olive oil, and beeswax, which come together to provide additional soothing hydration and relief.
“Third trimester hemorrhoids savior,” dubs the ointment balm. “Definitely a must try if you’re in discomfort and better ingredients than other products. I had instant relief once I applied the cream on. Took away my irritation and burning sensation right away and in three days hemorrhoids began to decrease in size.”
How And When To Use Hydrocortisone For Piles And Itchy Bottom
You’ll usually use most treatments for piles or itchy bottom several times a day first thing in the morning, last thing at night and after you’ve done a poo. Check the leaflet which comes with the product you are using.
Do not use hydrocortisone treatments for more than 7 days. Make an appointment to see your doctor if your symptoms:
- have not got better
- come back quickly after treatment
Don’t Miss: Over The Counter Lidocaine For Hemorrhoids
Common Questions About Hydrocortisone
The hydrocortisone in treatments for piles and itchy bottom is a steroid .
Like other steroids, it works by calming your immune system. This reduces inflammation and helps to relieve the pain and itching of piles.
The pain and itching should get better within a few days of starting treatment.
Piles and itchy bottom should get better within 7 days. Talk to your doctor if your piles have not got better or the itching gets worse.
There are other treatments available to buy that do not contain hydrocortisone. These include creams and suppositories containing zinc oxide or other soothing ingredients.
Your doctor may be able to prescribe stronger medicines for piles or itchy bottom.
No, using hydrocortisone treatments for piles does not affect what you can eat and drink.
It’s a good idea, though to eat lots of foods which contain fibre so you do not get constipation. Examples of foods with lots of fibre are porridge oats and wholegrain breakfast cereals, wholemeal breads, wholewheat pasta, pulses, potatoes with their skins on and vegetables.
To avoid constipation, try to drink several glasses of water or other non-alcoholic drinks each day. If you can, it may also help to increase your levels of exercise.
Yes, you can drink alcohol while using all hydrocortisone treatments for piles and itchy bottom.
There is no clear evidence that hydrocortisone treatments for piles or itchy bottom affect male or female fertility.
Look on the pill packet to find out what to do.
Best For Pain Relief: Wiseways Herbals Witch Hazel Salve
According to Dr. Nazarian, witch hazel can be very calming and anti-inflammatory, which is perfect for treating painful hemorrhoids. It’s the main ingredient in this salve from WiseWays, where it works with other soothing ingredients such as yarrow, arnica, calendula, and chamomile to provide relief from itching, burning, and discomfort.
“I’m eight months pregnant and suffer from painful hemorrhoids,” says one reviewer, who calls the salve a must-have. “After weeks of pain and trying over the counter medicines, I saw the reviews for this and decided to try. And in just days, it reduced my hemorrhoids and pain.”
You May Like: What Doctor Removes External Hemorrhoids
Diagnosis For Bleeding Hemorrhoids
A licensed healthcare professional can help diagnose bleeding hemorrhoids. To get the diagnosis, your doctor may have you undergo a physical examination and:
- Rectal examination, where a doctor uses a gloved finger to check inside your rectum.
- Colonoscopy, where a doctor places a long flexible tube with a tiny camera into your rectum to examine the entire colon.
There are two types of hemorrhoids:
- Internal hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids hidden inside the rectum are called internal hemorrhoids. These are usually painless but can cause bleeding when you use the bathroom.
- External hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids that you can see or feel are called external hemorrhoids. These are usually more painful because the skin becomes irritated and eroded.
A health care provider will help you determine what kind of hemorrhoids you have and discuss the best treatment options.
- Fibersupplements to help soften your stool
- Laxatives to help you make healthy stools
Over-the-counter creams and rectal suppositories may be another option to treat a bleeding hemorrhoid. These can help relieve pain, itching, and inflammation temporarily:
Minimally invasive treatments
In some cases, if symptoms dont subside, your doctor may recommend you undergo a minimally invasive treatment. This could include a rubber band ligation where the doctor places bands around the internal hemorrhoid to restrict the blood supply to the hemorrhoid. This treatment is successful in 7080% of cases.
Surgery
Replace: Keyword Buying Guide: What To Look For Before Buying
It can be hard to know where to start when youre in the market for a new hemorrhoid treatment over the counter. There are many options out there, and each has pros and cons. Luckily, weve done the research for you and compiled all the information you need to make a smart choice about what to buy. Our buying guide is here to help you find the right product for your needs.
Before you buy hemorrhoid treatment over the counter, make sure that you look at these factors:
- Search for the best quality product: Quality is the most important thing to consider when buying hemorrhoid treatment over the counter. If you want your product to last long and give value for your money, then look for a high-quality product.
- Buy the best durable product to save money: How long does it take for your hemorrhoid treatment over the counter to break down or stop working? It is worth the investment if you have an item that lasts longer than expected.
- Always buy from renowned brands to get the best one: Established brands are more reliable than new ones since they have proven their strength and quality over time. Some brands also have a reputation for providing excellent customer service.
- Observe user feedback on various sources: Review sites like Amazon can provide you with information about other peoples experiences with products.
Take a look at these factors before buying hemorrhoid treatment over the counter:
Don’t Miss: Quickest Way To Get Rid Of Hemorrhoids
Dont Make Things Worse
Bump up the fiber. It softens your stools and makes them move through your body more easily. Youâll find it in beans, whole-grain breads and cereals, and fresh fruits and veggies. You may also want to try a supplement if you canât get enough from foods. Add fiber slowly to help avoid gas and bloating.
Drink lots of fluids. Stay well hydrated to keep stools soft so theyâre easier to pass. Water is the best choice. Drink plenty throughout the day. Prune juice is a natural laxative and can help you go.
Exercise regularly. Even brisk walking 20-30 minutes every day can help keep you from getting stopped up.
Breathe! Keep the air moving in and out when youâre working hard. Itâs common to hold your breath as youâre pushing, pulling, or making an effort â and that can lead to hemorrhoid pain and bleeding.
Use a pillow. Sit on a cushion instead of a hard surface. It will ease swelling for any hemorrhoids you have. It may also help prevent new ones from forming.
Take breaks. If you must sit for a long time, get up every hour and move around for at least 5 minutes.
Show Sources
How Are Bleeding Hemorrhoids Treated At Home
A bleeding hemorrhoid is usually a sign of irritation or damage to the wall of the hemorrhoid. This should resolve on its own over time, but there are several things you can do at home to speed up the process and soothe any discomfort.
However, if theres no clear source of bleeding or if the bleeding doesnt go away within a week, see your doctor.
Experts note that hemorrhoids are often self-diagnosed, which can be dangerous. Many medical conditions, including cancer and inflammatory bowel disease , can have similar symptoms. For this reason, its important to receive a proper diagnosis from your doctor.
If you have been diagnosed with a hemorrhoid thats itchy or painful, start by gently cleaning the area and reducing inflammation. These strategies can help:
Next, try to soften your stools to keep your digestive system in good working order and reduce your risk of further irritation or damage to a bleeding hemorrhoid. Here are some tips:
If youre still noticing blood or a lot of discomfort after a week of home treatments, you may need to revisit your doctor for additional treatment.
If home treatments arent providing any relief, there are several surgical treatments that can help. Many of them can be done in the office and dont require general anesthesia.
These include:
If your bleeding hemorrhoids are larger or more severe, your doctor may recommend more advanced treatment, such as more extensive surgery.
Also Check: Best Witch Hazel Wipes For Hemorrhoids
Recommended Reading: What Should You Do For Hemorrhoids
Review Of Herbal Medicine For Hemorrhoids
There are many herbal remedies available to treat hemorrhoids. The choice of the herbal remedy depends on what type of hemorrhoid you have and what symptoms you are looking to treat. Hemorrhoid supplements are a great herbal solution for hemorrhoids. Be sure to take a look at this post for reviews of the best hemorrhoid supplements available.
Butchers broom is a popular herbal supplement used to treat hemorrhoids. Butchers broom works to reduce swelling and inflammation caused by hemorrhoids.
Pycnogenol is another herbal medication that works to manage acute hemorrhoidal attacks.
Horse chestnut is commonly used to help with poor blood flow and swelling. It can improve circulation and vascular tone.
Witch hazel is another herbal medicine that is popular in treating hemorrhoids. Witch hazel can be found in many medicated wipes. Its astringent and antioxidant properties help to sooth hemorrhoids and reduce the inflammation and pain cause by their presence.
Psylliium husk is a natural source of fiber that comes in a powder form. It has been shown to reduce the occurrence of bleeding from hemorrhoids and help you avoid constipation and straining.
Since constipation is one of the most common causes of hemorrhoids, this is often an extremely effective herbal treatment for hemorrhoids.
There are also some essential oils available to treat hemorrhoids. Talk to a doctor or test a patch of skin before you move forward with treatment through essential oils.
Procedures For Hemorrhoids Treatment
Some hemorrhoids canât be managed with conservative treatments alone, either because symptoms persist or because an internal hemorrhoid has prolapsed. Fortunately, a number of minimally invasive hemorrhoid treatments are available that are less painful than traditional hemorrhoid removal and allow a quicker recovery. These procedures are generally performed in a surgeonâs office or as outpatient surgery in a hospital.
Band it. The most commonly used hemorrhoid treatment in the United States is rubber band ligation, in which a small elastic band is placed around the base of a hemorrhoid . The band causes the hemorrhoid to shrink and the surrounding tissue to scar as it heals, holding the hemorrhoid in place. It takes two to four procedures, done six to eight weeks apart, to completely eliminate the hemorrhoid. Complications, which are rare, include mild pain or tightness , bleeding, and infection. Other office procedures include laser or infrared coagulation, sclerotherapy, and cryosurgery. They all work on the same principle as rubber band ligation but are not quite as effective in preventing recurrence. Side effects and recurrence vary with the procedure, so consult your physician about whatâs best for your situation.
Also Check: Do Hemorrhoids Cause Abdominal Pain