How To Treat Male Hemorrhoids

Are External Hemorrhoids Painful

External hemorrhoids can be painful. They are usually most painful immediately following a bowel movement or after straining or lifting.

They may be especially painful if they develop a blood clot, which is known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid. If medical professionals can lance and drain the clot within of development, the pain will ease immediately. If not, the clot will likely dissolve on its own, and the pain will ease in time.

Many Methods Are Available For Skin Tag Removal

Skin tags do not have to be removed. They are not harmful, and will not become so over time. However, some people find them unsightly and choose to have to have them removed. Skin tag removal can be accomplished via a number of different methods. One commonly used method is cryotherapy, in which a physician, usually a dermatologist, freezes off the skin tag using liquid nitrogen. Another option is electrocautery, in which an electric probe or needle is used to burn off the skin tag. Snipping or excision, either with scissors or a scalpel, may be a better option for larger skin tags. Because skin tag removal is considered cosmetic, these procedures are usually not covered by insurance.

Home Remedies For Skin Tag Removal Are Largely Unproven

While home remedies are available, their efficacy is largely anecdotal and not supported by significant data. Some commercial kits contain ligation bands that can be placed around the base of skin tags, thereby cutting off their circulation and causing them to fall off. Home freezing kits are also available, but typically require multiple applications. Tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar have also reportedly been used to treat skin tags however, there is little research data to support their effectiveness. Furthermore, these substances often cause skin irritation. Tea tree oil, in particular, is known to cause allergic skin reactions in some people.

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When Do I Need To See A Health Care Provider For Hemorrhoids

You should see your health care provider if you:

• Still have symptoms after 1 week of at-home treatment
• Have bleeding from your rectum. Hemorrhoids are a common cause of bleeding, but other conditions can also cause bleeding. They include Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, colorectal cancer, and . So it’s important to see your provider to find the cause of the bleeding.

When Do Hemorrhoids Require Medical Intervention

Your hemorrhoids can be an embarrassing topic to discuss with anyone, even your doctor. But hemorrhoids are common and affect 5% of adults in the United States every year, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Its estimated, in fact, that as many as three in four adults will experience problems with hemorrhoids at some point in their lives.

Though you can find many treatments for hemorrhoids at your local pharmacy, home remedies dont help everyone. At Rivas Digestive Center, located in Hollywood, Florida, our expert gastroenterologist, Dr. John Rivas, wants you to know when its time to get medical help for your hemorrhoids.

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Keep An Eye Out For Atypical Features

Sometimes, what may look like a skin tag could actually be a different type of skin growth. If you notice a fleshy growth that has features that are not typical of skin tags, such as variations in color, sudden changes in size, or areas of bleeding or pain, ask your doctor to take a look.

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About the Author

Kristina Liu, MD, MHS, Contributor

When To Seek Medical Advice

See your GP if you have persistent or severe symptoms of haemorrhoids. You should always get any rectal bleeding checked out, so your doctor can rule out more potentially serious causes.

The symptoms of haemorrhoids often clear up on their own or with simple treatments that can be bought from a pharmacy without a prescription . However, speak to your GP if your symptoms don’t get better or if you experience pain or bleeding.

Your GP can often diagnose haemorrhoids using a simple internal examination of your back passage, although they may need to refer you to a colorectal specialist for diagnosis and treatment.

Some people with haemorrhoids are reluctant to see their GP. However, theres no need to be embarrassed, because GPs are very used to diagnosing and treating haemorrhoids.

Read more about diagnosing haemorrhoids.

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Lifestyle And Dietary Changes

The following may help relieve symptoms of dumping syndrome:

• eat five to six small meals throughout the day, instead of three large meals
• stop eating once full
• chew food thoroughly to aid digestion
• do not drink liquids in the 30 minutes before or after meals
• drink 8 glasses of water throughout the day, but only between meals
• lying down for 30 minutes after a meal
• consume high-fiber foods, such as oatmeal, whole wheat breads, beans, lentils, and vegetables
• limit or avoid high-sugar foods such as candy, cakes, fruit juice, and soda
• limit or avoid white bread, white rice, and white pastas
• cut out alcohol
• increase protein intake by eating foods such as lean meats, fish, and tofu
• remove dairy from the diet to see if that eases symptoms, as dairy is high in the natural sugar lactose
• add pectin, psyllium, or guar gum to meals to slow the rate at which food moves through the digestive system

As dumping syndrome can affect nutrient absorption, nutritional supplements may be beneficial. However, it is advisable to discuss this with a doctor first.

How Are Haemorrhoids Treated

Mild symptoms may go away after a few days without any special treatment. In most cases your doctor will recommend measures to relieve constipation if you have it.

If your haemorrhoids are causing you pain or discomfort, ask your doctor or chemist about medicated creams or ointments that may ease your symptoms.

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Natural Remedies For Hemorrhoids

• By Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men’s Health Watch

Hemorrhoids are painful, unpleasant, and, um, well, difficult to talk about. But they actually are quite common: about half of people over age 50 have had them. However, theyre easy to treat and manage.

Hemorrhoids can be troublesome and embarrassing, but they often shrink on their own with simple self-help care and over-the-counter remedies, says Dr. Howard LeWine, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Who Is At Risk For Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are one of the most common gastrointestinal illnesses. They affect both males and females of all races, in all age groups. But there are some factors that can put you at higher risk including:

• GeneticsA family history of hemorrhoids puts you at higher risk. Doctors will often ask whether family members suffer from hemorrhoids in order to identify a genetic tendency.
• AgingThe risk of hemorrhoids increases with age. While children and young adults do experience hemorrhoids, they are most common in adults 45-65 years old.
• ObesityBody weight can contribute to the risk of hemorrhoids since heavier weight can cause additional strain on the body and contribute to a more sedentary lifestyle.
• NutritionA poor diet that lacks fiber often leads to constipation and straining during bowel movements.
• PregnancyThe weight of carrying a baby during pregnancy can put increased pressure on the pelvic area. Thankfully, these will often resolve completely after delivery of the baby.

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How Are Hemorrhoids Diagnosed

Your doctor can tell if you have hemorrhoids by asking about your past health and doing a physical examination.

You may not need many tests at first, especially if you are younger than 50 and your doctor thinks that your rectal bleeding is caused by hemorrhoids. Your doctor may just examine your rectum with a gloved finger. Or your doctor may use a short, lighted scope to look inside the rectum.

Dietary Changes And Self Care

If constipation is thought to be the cause of your haemorrhoids, you need to keep your stools soft and regular, so that you don’t strain when passing stools.

You can do this by increasing the amount of fibre in your diet. Good sources of fibre include wholegrain bread, cereal, fruit and vegetables.

You should also drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine .

When going to the toilet, you should:

• avoid straining to pass stools, because it may make your haemorrhoids worse
• use moist toilet paper, rather than dry toilet paper, or baby wipes to clean your bottom after passing a stool
• pat the area around your bottom, rather than rubbing it

Read more about preventing constipation.

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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.

Why Do Hemorrhoids Occur

Sometimes hemorrhoids develop for no reason, but often they are associated with chronic constipation or diarrhea, straining during bowel movements, and prolonged sitting on the toilet. You can reduce your risk by following these three easy steps:

• Get enough fiber in your diet
• Stay well hydrated
• Exercise regularly .

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Maintaining A Healthy Weight

Being overweight is another factor that may contribute to the development of haemorrhoids. You can lose weight by exercising regularly, eating a low-fat diet and moderating your alcohol intake.

More information about food and nutrition is available in our healthy eating section and from the Nutrition Australia website.

Treatment Of Hemorrhoids In Males

More and more people are showing signs of the symptoms of hemorrhoids. These symptoms do not seem to have a cause for the male population. Although this could be one of the worst things that happen to a man, it is not as bad as some of the other health concerns they will go through in their lifetime.

Have you ever suffered from hemorrhoids? Is this a question youre embarrassed to ask your doctor? Do you hate it when your friends start talking about colonoscopies over fancy drinks? We dont blame you. Hemorrhoids have a stigma that isnt deserved. Many believe they are painful and embarrassing, but thats not always the case. Its time to clear up the misconceptions and let you know the ins and outs of how to treat haemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are a common condition for men of all ages, but they can be especially troublesome in older men. As men get older, the likelihood that they will develop hemorrhoids increases. The reason for this is not clear, but some doctors believe that it could be due to changes in the body that occur as we age. For example, some people may have difficulty forming bowel movements as they get older or may strain more while trying to pass them.

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Treatment Options For Hemorrhoids Include:

If your hemorrhoids are very painful or dont respond to other treatments, see your doctor or a proctologist, a specialist who treats hemorrhoids. He may recommend surgery to remove the hemorrhoids. Surgery is usually only recommended if the condition is severe enough to interfere with your daily life and dont respond to other treatments.

Several types of surgeries are used to remove or reduce internal and external hemorrhoids. These include:

How Are They Treated

For most external hemorrhoids, home treatment is all you need. This includes slowly adding fibre to your meals, drinking more water, and using over-the-counter ointments for a limited time to stop itching. You also may use stool softeners. The same home treatment can be used for most internal hemorrhoids.

If your internal hemorrhoids are severe, you may need other treatment. The doctor may tie off the hemorrhoids with rubber bands or scar the tissue around the hemorrhoids. These treatments reduce the blood supply to the hemorrhoids so that they shrink or go away.

Surgery to remove hemorrhoids may be done if other treatments don’t work.

Healthy habits can help you prevent hemorrhoids or keep them from getting worse. Eat foods that have lots of fibre, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, drink plenty of water, and get plenty of exercise.

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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 or change size and shape.
• Rectal bleeding becomes heavy or changes colour .

If you have hemorrhoids, call your doctor if:

• Moderate rectal pain lasts longer than 1 week after home treatment.
• Pain or swelling is severe.

How Are Haemorrhoids Diagnosed

• Digital rectal examination, where your doctor puts on gloves and places a lubricated finger inside the back passage to gently feel for any abnormalities. This is likely to be uncomfortable but will probably not be painful.
• Proctoscopy, where your doctor examines the inside of the rectum using a proctoscope to look for any swelling or other symptoms. Again, this may be uncomfortable but will probably not be painful.

There is no need to feel embarrassed about these tests haemorrhoids are a common problem and your doctor is used to diagnosing and treating them.

In some cases, your doctor may refer you to a surgeon who can assess your haemorrhoids and recommend a treatment.

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Are Hemorrhoids More Common In Men Or Women

As noted above, hemorrhoids are much more common in women than menbut why is that? It turns out that there are a few reasons for this gender gap. First off, women tend to have weaker pelvic muscles than men due to childbirth and other hormonal changes. This makes them more prone to developing hemorrhoids. Additionally, some studies suggest that the female hormone estrogen may play a role in making women more susceptible to the condition.

Things That Increase Your Risk

• Constipation or diarrhea that does not go away. These conditions may lead to straining with bowel movements.
• Being overweight
• A family history of hemorrhoids. You may inherit the tendency to get them.
• Being age 50 or older. Half of people who are older than 50 seek treatment for hemorrhoids.
• Pregnancy and labour and delivery. As the fetus grows during the last 6 months of pregnancy, blood volume and pressure on pelvic blood vessels increase. The strain of labour also can cause hemorrhoids to start or get worse.
• Liver disease, heart disease, or both. These conditions may cause blood to back up in the pelvis and abdomen.

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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.

How A Doctor Can Help

Doctors can recommend medical treatments and procedures that can reduce or get rid of hemorrhoids. Some of these procedures can be done right in a doctors office and involve very little discomfort.

• Medicated creams/ointments. If an OTC hemorrhoid cream isnt enough, doctors can prescribe stronger creams and ointments.
• Minimally-invasive procedures. There are some minimally-invasive procedures that a doctor can do in their office or in an ambulatory surgery center that typically doesnt require anesthesia or long recovery times. Some of these procedures include rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy injections, and laser/infrared coagulation treatments.
• Thrombectomy. For severe cases that develop blood clots and cause a lot of pain, your doctor can perform an external hemorrhoid thrombectomy to remove the hemorrhoid. Thrombectomies are most effective when performed no more than 72 hours after severe symptoms emerge.
• Surgery. There are several surgical options available when other treatments and procedures havent worked or if you have very large hemorrhoids. If youve struggled to find relief, talk to your doctor to learn if surgery is right for you.

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