How To Fix External Hemorrhoids

For Seriously Bad Hemorrhoids Talk To Your Doctor About Surgical Options

If youve tried home remedies and in-office procedures but your hemorrhoids are still making you miserable, it might be time to ask your doctor about surgery. Recovery from the surgical removal of hemorrhoids can be extremely painful, notes Dr. Bernstein, but its one of the most effective ways to get rid of hemorrhoids for good.

Another surgical option is having your hemorrhoids stapled into place. This is a less painful procedure compared to a hemorrhoidectomy, but it does come with a greater risk of relapse and is not recommended if you have anal sex, as staples can cause injury, notes Dr. Ky.

Hemorrhoids can be a massive pain, but thankfully, symptoms typically go away within a week. If you still have symptoms of hemorrhoids after a week of self-care measures or youre experiencing severe pain or bleeding, seek medical attention immediately, says Dr. Thomas.

Its important to note that sometimes what might seem like symptoms of hemorrhoids could indicate something more serious. Less commonly, rectal bleeding can also be a sign of diseases such as colorectal cancer or anal cancer. Make sure to get checked out if you notice large amounts of bleeding or other changes in your bowel habits like a different stool color or consistency.

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Hemorrhoid Remedies You Can Try On Your Own At Home

There are several steps you can take at home to ease the discomfort caused by hemorrhoids:

• Take a sitz bath two to three times daily for 15 to 20 minutes. Sit in warm water, covering just your hips and buttocks. This can help reduce itching and irritation. You can take a sitz bath in a few inches of water in a regular tub, but small tubs that fit over toilet seats are also available for this purpose at pharmacies. Following a sitz bath, gently pat the area dry to avoid further irritation.
• Use ice packs on the area to relieve swelling and pain.
• Don’t push too hard or strain while passing a bowel movement.
• Clean your anus after each bowel movement by gently patting with moistened pads, such as baby wipes. Using hard, dry toilet paper, which may contain fragrance, can cause further irritation.
• Keep the area clean by bathing or showering daily with warm water. After bathing, gently pat the area dry. You can even use a hair dryer to dry the area.
• Sit on cushions rather than hard surfaces to help lessen the swelling of hemorrhoids and keep new ones from forming.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin as needed.

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Your Internal Hemorrhoid Problem

Visit your doctor to learn more about this issue and discuss the treatment approach that’s right for you. To find a local colorectal specialist, try our Find a Doctor database.

As with all medical issues, your physician is the ultimate source as to what procedure best fits your needs. Discuss all options and get a second opinion if you have any doubts. These articles are intended to be a source of general information only.

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Precautions On How To Get Rid Of Hemorrhoids

A common concern is that hemorrhoids increase the risk of colorectal cancer, but thats not true. However, the two conditions do cause similar symptoms. This is why its important to mention your hemorrhoids to your health care provider. Even when a hemorrhoid is healed completely, a colonoscopy may be done to rule out other causes of rectal bleeding. According to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons , every person age 50 and older should undergo a colonoscopy to screen for colorectal cancer.

How To Treat Bleeding Hemorrhoids

Though its not a very pleasant topic to think about, the fact is that hemorrhoids are one of the most common gastrointestinal problems. The National Institutes of Health estimates that about 1 in 20 Americans will develop hemorrhoids at some point during their life. For most people, though, getting hemorrhoids is a temporary problem that isnt much of a cause for concern. Sometimes the problem is more severe and the hemorrhoids cause rectal bleeding in those cases, a more proactive treatment approach is usually necessary.

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How To Fix Hemorrhoids At Home

Hemorrhoids can be considered an embarrassing problem. Fortunately, there are methods you can do in the comfort of your own home to help subside and alleviate these symptoms.

From wipes to ointments, there are many ways to help treat hemorrhoids. There are two types of hemorrhoids, internal and external, and the treatments for both vary.

Internal hemorrhoids can become prolapsed, or fall out of the anus. External hemorrhoids can thrombose, or form a blood clot.

And while you can do at-home treatments, you can also take solace in the fact that hemorrhoids can usually go away on their own within a few days or a few weeks.

However, they do not always go away. Plus, getting hemorrhoid pain relief can really improve your life.

If you think you are experiencing hemorrhoids, consult your doctor, especially if one of the symptoms is rectal bleeding.

Hemorrhoid doctors are usually called gastroenterologists or proctologists.

While rectal bleeding may be a result of the very common condition of hemorrhoids, your body might be telling you its a derivative of a separate rectal condition.

How To Fix Hemorrhoids After Pregnancy

Pregnancy and delivery can bring bouts of painful hemorrhoids, but fortunately, there are plenty of ways to treat them afterward. Hemorrhoids are often at their worst after birth, especially vaginal delivery, due to all the straining, pushing, and an abnormal amount of stress on the lower rectal area.

To get your body back on track after pregnancy sans painful hemorrhoids, try including more fiber or fiber supplements in your diet.

Pregnancy can cause episodes of chronic constipation that may not subside right after giving birth, so including fiber in your diet can boost bowel movements, and can, in turn, prevent hemorrhoids from becoming inflamed.

For external hemorrhoids that may have formed during or right after pregnancy, use these methods to encourage them to heal:

• Creams

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Who Is At Risk For External Hemorrhoids

If your parents have had hemorrhoids, you may be more likely to have them as well. Hemorrhoids may also be caused by pregnancy.

As we age, hemorrhoids can occur due to increased pressure caused by sitting a lot. And anything that causes you to strain during bowel movements can lead to external hemorrhoids.

If youre not sure what the cause of your hemorrhoids may be, your doctor might be able to determine why.

What Should I Eat If I Have Hemorrhoids Diet

Individuals with hemorrhoids should soften their stools by increasing the fiber in their diets.

Fiber is found in numerous foods, including

• fresh and dried fruits,
• whole grains, and
• cereals.

In general, 20 to 30 grams of fiber per day is recommended, whereas the average American diet contains less than 15 grams of fiber. Fiber supplements, like psyllium, methylcellulose, and calcium polycarbophil, also may be used to increase the intake of fiber.

Stool softeners and increased drinking of liquids also may be recommended, as well as bulk-forming laxatives. Nevertheless, the benefits of fiber, liquids, and stool softeners have not been well-tested with respect to hemorrhoidal control in scientific studies.

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Treating Hemorrhoids At Home

A diet high in fiber is often the first step in helping treat hemorrhoids at home. Fiber helps make it easier for the body to pass softer stool, which causes less strain and pain. Your physician may also discuss these other home remedies:

• Take a stool softener or fiber supplement.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Try not to strain during bowel movements.
• Take a warm bath to relieve pain.
• Avoid sitting on the toilet for too long.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Try over-the-counter creams or ointments.

Can Hemorrhoids Be Prevented Or Avoided

Just about everyone has hemorrhoids at some time. But some things may make you more likely to get them. People whose parents had hemorrhoids may be more likely to get them. Pregnant women often get hemorrhoids because of the strain from carrying the baby and from giving birth. Being very overweight or standing or lifting too much can make hemorrhoids worse.

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How To Get Rid Of External Hemorrhoids Fast

This article was medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS. Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.There are 19 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 200,993 times.

Hemorrhoids can happen to anyone at any age. These uncomfortable enlarged veins can be found inside or externally around the anus. Hemorrhoids are caused by increased pressure on your pelvic and rectal veins, usually linked to constipation, diarrhea, or straining to pass a stool. In some cases, hemorrhoids can be caused by obesity, lifting heavy objects, or from the strain of pregnancy which applies pressure to the veins of the lower abdomen. Fortunately, external hemorrhoids can usually be taken care of without seeing a doctor. There are several things you can do to help relieve the pain, discomfort, and itching of hemorrhoids.

Most Popular External Hemorrhoid Treatment Hemorrhoidectomy

This is a very commonly suggested method to treat hemorrhoids of severe cases which requires immediate removal, by making incisions on your tissue. The surgeon can either use a scalpel , a cautery pencil or a specialized laser.

This procedure is done in a surgery room, though you can usually go home on the day of treatment itself.

It works for both external and internal hemorrhoids treatment, but it tends to be very painful even after a successful operation. In fact, it is well-known to be an excruciating treatment. Most patients need analgesics after operation.

Although its risks are considered relatively low, it generally has more risks of complications as compared to other hemorrhoid surgical methods.

An outpatient hemorrhoidectomy performed in an ASC costs around $3000. If performed in a hospital, it will cost around $5700. However, prices can vary drastically between different states and countries, and the coverage from insurance and government subsidies.

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How Can I Prevent Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are common as you get older. These steps can help prevent hard stools and constipation that can lead to hemorrhoids:

• Dont sit too long or push too hard on the toilet.
• Go the toilet when the urge hits dont delay bowel movements.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Eat more high-fiber foods or take supplements. Generally, women should aim for 25 grams of fiber per day, while men should get 35 grams of fiber.
• Stay physically active. Being on the move keeps bowels moving.
• Take laxatives or use enemas only as recommended by your healthcare provider. Too many laxatives or enemas can make it hard for your body to regulate how you poop.

Causes Of Bleeding Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids bleed easily due to the material theyre made ofInternal hemorrhoids are far more prone to bleeding than external hemorrhoids, as internal hemorrhoids are covered by delicate internal mucus membrane, while external hemorrhoids are covered by relatively thicker external skin. Even so, external hemorrhoids have some very thin skin covering them, its just not as delicate as the mucus membrane.

Naturally, both internal and external hemorrhoids can get wounded and bleed rather easily as a result of the swollen blood vessel being so susceptible and relatively unprotected.

Treatment for bleeding hemorrhoids starts out with the same regimen as any kind of hemorrhoid.

A bleeding hemorrhoid arises from a hemorrhoid being damaged.

Bleeding internal hemorrhoids can occur, because at least one of the internal hemorrhoids is scratched, either through wiping or the passing of a hard stool.

Bleeding external hemorrhoids can result from any excessive pressure, twisting, roughness or trauma hard wiping, hard toilet paper are common culprits. After hemorrhoids have started bleeding, any straining whatsoever can keep bleeding hemorrhoids from healing and even make them worse. See also causes of hemorrhoids to find out more about these strains and pressures. Diarrhea is a danger to hemorrhoid bleeding , because the wiping up after the stool has passed may damage the hemorrhoids and sometimes the diarrhea may pass over the hemorrhoids with an enormous explosive force.

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Conventional Treatment For Hemorrhoids

When you go to see a doctor for enlarged hemorrhoids, he or she will look at your anus to see if its inflamed and whether the hemorrhoids come out of the anus when you push or if theyre already outside. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, there are a number of examinations your doctor may choose to perform in order to make a diagnosis. Doctors typically do a digital rectal examination first, which involves gently inserting a finger into the anus with gloves and lubricant. The doctor will feel the inside of the anal canal using circular movements, which allows him to examine the sphincter muscles and the texture of the membranes lining the anus.

If your doctor believes that you do have enlarged hemorrhoids, she will most likely perform a proctoscopy next. This involves inserting a short tube with a light and lens on it that exams the membranes lining the rectum. The doctor is looking to see if there are enlarged hemorrhoids and how big they are. People tend to fear the pain and discomfort that come with these procedures, but they usually dont hurt and do help your doctor make suggestions about how to get rid of hemorrhoids.

Most of the patients suffering from hemorrhoids have their symptoms alleviated through diet therapy, fiber supplements, hemorrhoid cream and medical treatments, such as sclerotherapy, rubber band ligation and infrared coagulation.

1. Sclerotherapy

2. Rubber Band Ligation

3. Infrared Coagulation

4. Hemorrhoid Surgery

What Are The Symptoms Of External Hemorrhoids

Unlike internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids are located in an area with nerve endings, which can make them easier to identify but also significantly more uncomfortable. Patients with external hemorrhoids usually report experiencing acute pain or discomfort, especially during bowel movements. However, these symptoms may flare up only every so often, making it difficult to tell whether the discomfort is actually hemorrhoid-related.

Many of those with external hemorrhoids also have symptoms of internal hemorrhoids. While a licensed physician is the only one who can give you a dependable diagnosis, these are some symptoms that typically indicate an external hemorrhoid problem:

• Mild but consistent itching around the rectal area
• Pain around the anal area, ranging from mild to severe
• Swelling around the anus

You may also notice your external hemorrhoids particularly swell when bearing down during a bowel movement. Be sure to limit your time on the toilet to two minutes as additional straining can worsen your external hemorrhoids. If you find that you frequently have to strain to pass bowel movements, try to increase your fiber and water intake. Eating foods with fiber is the most beneficial way to get this carbohydrate, but you can also take fiber supplements. The recommended intake is 20 to 30 grams per day.

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When Should You Call Your Doctor

Common symptoms of hemorrhoids may be a sign of other serious health problems. Colon or rectal cancer and other conditions have many of the same symptoms as hemorrhoids. Call your doctor if you have symptoms like these:

• Stools are black or tarry.
• A lump or bulge that is not tender and does not go away develops at the anal opening.

If you have hemorrhoids, call your doctor if:

• Moderate rectal pain lasts longer than 1 week after home treatment.
• Pain or swelling is severe.
• Tissue from inside the body bulges from the anus and does not return to normal after 3 to 7 days of home treatment.
• A lump inside the anus becomes bigger or more painful.

If rectal bleeding becomes heavy or changes colour , or if stools change size, shape, or colour , be sure to see your doctor.

Treatment Of External Hemorrhoids

The best treatment for hemorrhoids is reducing the likelihood of them in the first place. For example, eating a healthy, fiber-rich diet and drinking plenty of liquids. Try to avoid sitting for long periods by taking regular stretch breaks, or incorporate exercise into your routine if it isnt already a normal activity for you. Physical activity reduces pressure on the veins in the rectum and prevents constipation.

Unfortunately, once an external hemorrhoid has formed, it most likely will not go away on its own. However, there is still a wide variety of external hemorrhoid treatment options to alleviate hemorrhoid symptoms or take care of the problem altogether.

You can temporarily relieve hemorrhoid symptoms on your own by using over-the-counter topical creams as well as natural remedies, such as apple cider vinegar and witch hazel. Keep in mind that at-home treatments and positive lifestyle changes may reduce hemorrhoid flare-ups, but the symptoms likely wont completely go away without professional treatment under the supervision of an experienced physician. Seeing a physician is essential for combating the underlying causes of hemorrhoid flare-ups or treating advanced piles, such as grade IV hemorrhoids.

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