What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor
You may want to ask your healthcare provider:
- Why did I get hemorrhoids?
- What is the best treatment for me?
- What lifestyle changes can I make to keep from getting hemorrhoids again?
- When will symptoms improve?
- Should I look out for signs of complications?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
An estimated 15 million Americans have sought treatments for hemorrhoids at some point in their lives. But many more suffer needlessly. Dont be too embarrassed to talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms. If hemorrhoids cause pain or discomfort, your provider has treatments that can help. You can also take steps to keep hemorrhoids from coming back.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/18/2021.
References
Blood Clots In The Hemorrhoid
External hemorrhoids can be very painful if they become thrombosed. Thrombosed hemorrhoids are usually purple-blue.
A thrombosed hemorrhoid occurs when the veins that cause the bulge in the hemorrhoid develop a blood clot. As a result, blood is unable to flow to the hemorrhoid, and the effect can be extremely painful.
The body will often absorb the blood clot, therefore reducing the symptoms and easing the pain.
When the blood clot passes or the body reabsorbs it, an external hemorrhoid may sometimes leave behind a perianal skin tag. A doctor may recommend surgical removal if this skin tag regularly catches stool and is difficult to keep clean.
Treatments include home remedies and surgery.
Examples of home remedies people can use to treat hemorrhoids include:
- taking warm baths
- gently cleaning the anus after a bowel movement, often by using moistened wipes or cotton pads
- applying cloth-covered ice packs to reduce swelling
- taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to relieve pain and discomfort
- applying ointments, such as creams with witch hazel or hydrocortisone- that relieve itching
What Are Possible Complications Of Hemorrhoids
Complications of hemorrhoids are rare. If they do happen, they may include:
- Strangulation. Arteries feeding fresh blood to the hemorrhoid can become blocked, preventing blood supply from reaching the hemorrhoid. This can cause extremely intense and unbearable pain.
- Anemia. If hemorrhoids bleed too much, this can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, headaches, and dizziness due to loss of blood.
- Prolapse. Prolapsed hemorrhoids can cause pain or discomfort when you sit or pass a bowel movement.
- Blood clots. Thrombosis is more likely to be a complication of an external hemorrhoid. Blood clots can cause pain and itching that can become severe.
- Infection. Bacteria can get into hemorrhoids that are bleeding and infect the tissue. Untreated infections can sometimes cause serious complications, like tissue death, abscesses, and fever.
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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.
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
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.
It can also be done with a spinal anesthetic block while you are awake , or with a combination of relaxing and sedating drugs given intravenously and a local anesthetic injected around the anus.
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.
There are many options for the treatment of hemorrhoids. Its best to discuss the benefits and risks of each of these with your doctor in order to come up with the treatment plan that is best for your particular case.
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Use Simple Toilet Paper
Scented and coloured toilet paper contain extra chemicals that could irritate sensitive areas. Dampen plain, white, unscented toilet paper or use a moist towelette when you need to wipe. Follow up by applying an unscented moisturizer with a facial tissue.
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How To Remove External Hemorrhoids Without Surgery
Although some external hemorrhoids will require surgery, there are many ways to treat hemorrhoids without surgery.
Focusing on your hygiene is one way to relieve hemorrhoids.
Thoroughly cleaning your anus after a bowel movement, avoiding straining during bowel movements, and regular use of a stool softener can help with the healing process.
Keeping a close eye on your eating and drinking habits can help as well. You should have a healthy, balanced diet that is rich in fiber. Additionally, you should drink the right amount of water daily to keep yourself hydrated. Avoid prolonger periods of sitting as well.
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What Do External Hemorrhoids Look Like
Hemorrhoids, often referred to as piles, get their name from the Greek word haimorrhoides. If you do hear someone talking about piles, just know that piles and hemorrhoids refer to the same thing.
This means veins that are liable to discharge blood. Do external hemorrhoids go away? Yes, in most cases, they’ll go away in a few days and won’t require any medical treatment.
External hemorrhoids, unlike internal ones, are noticeable to the human eye. They are located underneath the skin that surrounds the anus.
When external hemorrhoids swell, they can be visible. When an external hemorrhoid becomes swollen, it will prolapse to the outside of the anus and can then be seen or felt.
External hemorrhoids appear as clumps of dilated blood vessels outside the opening of the anus.
When hemorrhoids swell, the veins enlarge, and their walls become stretched, causing the swollen bulges we see in external hemorrhoids.
External hemorrhoids appear in bunches as soft lumps. They are generally soft or squishy to touch and can range in size. Witch hazel is often used for external hemorrhoids.
External hemorrhoids can be as small as a pea and as large as a grape. There is a mucus covering on hemorrhoids that can become damaged during bowel movements.
This is when bleeding external hemorrhoids occur.
External hemorrhoids that become thrombosed may appear different as explained in the next section.
You may experience serious hemorrhoid pain with a thrombosis.
What To Do With External Hemorrhoid Bleeding
Bleeding with external hemorrhoids is a normal symptom. As external hemorrhoids swell, the anal tissue is stretched. This causes the tissue to become thin as it stretched. Further irritation to the external hemorrhoid, such as having a bowel movement, can lead to bleeding.
While bleeding from external hemorrhoids is not a cause for concern, it is important to make sure that you have been checked by your medical provider. Because other sources of anal bleeding can be very concerning, make sure that your hemorrhoids have been determined to be the source of bleeding.
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Procedures For Hemorrhoids Treatment
Some hemorrhoids can’t 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 surgeon’s 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 what’s best for your situation.
Consume A Lot Of Fiber
Hemorrhoids are more likely to happen to you if you do not relieve yourself often. You can increase your regularity by consuming more fiber or by taking supplements.
It may increase the gas in your system, but it is still worth it. You should try to take in 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day.
Foods that are rich in fiber include:
- Legumes
you should be aware of the foods that cause hemorrhoids to flare up.
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What Does Female Hemorrhoids Look Like On Photos
The most common female piles is manifested by varicose veins. To imagine what female hemorrhoids look like , first of all, one should know at least the basics of anatomy taught at school. Rectum as the end part of the intestine, carries a tremendous load. A thick venous network runs throughout the rectum. Flowing slowly enough, the blood can sometimes stagnate, expanding the vessels and forming piles. In the lumen of the veins, arteries can be observed.
What do female piles look like and what do hemorrhoids look like in man there is no gender difference. A small difference occurs only in the causes of the disease. A lot of factors affect how hemorrhoids manifest in women. This list of trigger factors includes a period of fetal gestation, delivery, stress, lifting heavy weights and more. Female hemorrhoids are mainly caused by intense weight loss or a long sitting at the computer.
What Are The Colors Of Hemorrhoids
ByRobin Huone | Submitted On September 17, 2009
If the question, “what are the colors of hemorrhoids?” pops up in your mind, it may seem funny but your curiosity pays off indeed hemorrhoids come in different colors! Some people may ridicule you if they hear you say that you have hemorrhoids, but don’t be bothered because someday, they too might have them.
This out-pouching of our anal veins is a very common condition. It happens to almost everybody. It develops as our anal veins get too tired from stretching and contracting until eventually they give up and stay stretched the whole time.
So, what are the colors of hemorrhoids? Well, they come in different colors, size and location.
Internal hemorrhoids, inside the rectum, are not visible by simply looking at your anus. But examinations that include putting in scopes to view it reveal that internal hemorrhoids are often reddish in color. They are almost the same color with that of our healthy colon.
If yours is brownish, located just along the rim of the anal opening, then you have got an external haemorrhoid.
This type is often disturbing as it usually bleeds from bowel movements and frequent irritations. Oftentimes, the bleeding causes embarrassment and makes you feel uncomfortable.
A bluish, painful haemorrhoid is a clotted type. It is also located externally.
But if you want to know how to get rid of your hemorrhoids SUPER fast, pay attention!
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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.
Can I Push An External Hemorrhoid Back In
External hemorrhoids cannot be pushed inward, and doing so may cause you intense and sharp pain.
External hemorrhoids should be treated appropriately with soothing creams and ointments that can encourage faster shrinking.
If your hemorrhoids are hindering your daily activities, try lubricating the area with extracts like aloe vera or creams such as Preparation H.
External hemorrhoids are incredibly frustrating to deal with because of the uncomfortable symptoms that occur, but you should not try to push your external hemorrhoid back in.
These are swollen blood vessels that are inflamed and irritated, trying to press on them to get them to invert will not work and could worsen your symptoms.
Your external hemorrhoids will go away in a few days, even without treatment.
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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
4. Hemorrhoid Surgery
When To Consider External Hemorrhoid Removal
The removal of external hemorrhoids depends mostly on their size and severity. In many cases, over-the-counter and at-home treatments are sufficient enough to reduce the swelling and provide relief from external hemorrhoids. These methods include:
- Sitz baths
- Over-the-counter creams, ointments, and wipes
- Bowel habit improvement
- Prescription creams, ointments, and suppositories
In some cases, more aggressive medical treatment is required. Patients who do not respond to over-the-counter, or even prescription, treatments may need to seek the assistance of their medical provider.
There are several minimally invasive procedures that can be performed in a doctorsâ office without anesthesia. These include the rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, and infrared coagulation.
For severe cases, your medical provider may need to perform an external hemorrhoidectomy. This is performed in a hospital under anesthesia. Your doctor will make an incision in the hemorrhoid, draining it. Your hemorrhoid will then be stitched, and you will be sent home the same day for recovery.
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Epsom Salts And Glycerin
The magnesium sulfate in Epsom salts is easily absorbed by the skin and prevent blood vessels from hardening making it an effective treatment for hemorrhoids.
Epsom salts and glycerin can be made into a compound that is applied directly to the hemorrhoids or placed into the sitz bath to reduce pain and inflammation.
Simply mix two tablespoons of Epsom salts with two tablespoons of glycerin, apply the mixture to a gauze for application to the affected area, or drop into the sitz bath and soak for fifteen minutes. You can even add this to your bath water and soak your entire lower body.
When applying directly to the affected area, leave on for fifteen to twenty minutes and repeat every four to six hours until relief is experienced.
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What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids
Usually, bleeding when having a bowel movement or frequent anal itching are the first signs of enlarged hemorrhoids. However, some hemorrhoid symptoms can be very uncomfortable depending on their severity.
According to Dr. Scott C. Thornton, Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery at Yale University School of Medicine, hemorrhoids can cause a number of symptoms. Some of these are:3
- Drops of blood in the toilet water or on paper after wiping
- A visible lump of soft tissue at the anal opening that is pink or blue
- An urgent urge to scratch the anus
- Pain when having a bowel movement
- Extreme pain caused by prolapsed hemorrhoids that may last for 3 or 4 days
Dr. Thornton explains that the severity of hemorrhoids is graded by their symptoms. These are as follows:3
- Grade 1 hemorrhoids. Some bleeding with a bowel movement and the swollen rectal veins are generally unseen.
- Grade 2 hemorrhoids. The hemorrhoids may protrude when straining to pass stool. The enlarged hemorrhoid will disappear when you cease straining.
- Grade 3 hemorrhoids. Larger hemorrhoids that pop out of the anus while straining during a bowel movement. The hemorrhoid lump will need to be pushed back in.
- Grade 4 hemorrhoids. Prolapsed hemorrhoid where the large lumps stay on the outside of the anus. May require surgery or other procedure to get rid of hemorrhoids permanently.
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