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What’s The Best Way To Treat Hemorrhoids

Medical Procedures For Hemorrhoids That Wont Go Away

Hemorrhoids | Piles | How To Get Rid Of Hemorrhoids | Hemorrhoids Treatment

If hemorrhoids dont go away with home treatments, medical procedures may be necessary.

Doctors office procedures for internal hemorrhoids those located inside the rectum may include:

Rubber Band Ligation This is the most commonly performed hemorrhoid procedure in the United States. In this procedure, which can be used for grades 1, 2, and 3 internal hemorrhoids , the doctor places a small rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid, which can be done when your doctor performs an anoscopy examination to better visualize the hemorrhoids. The rubber band cuts off the hemorrhoids blood supply.

The procedure typically causes the hemorrhoid to shrink and fall off within about a week, though several short visits to your doctor may be necessary to completely get rid of the hemorrhoid. Minor bleeding and a feeling of pressure may occur, but this can usually be alleviated with OTC pain relievers. This procedure is not associated with significant recovery time.

Sclerotherapy In this quick, often painless procedure, the doctor injects a chemical into the hemorrhoidal blood vessel, causing scar tissue to form in order to shrink the hemorrhoid. The principle behind this is the same as rubber band ligation, though its not always as effective. This procedure can be used in patients taking blood thinners, for whom rubber band ligation may not be recommended.

RELATED: 4 Signs Your Hemorrhoids Warrant a Doctors Visit

How Long Does It Take To Recover

Having a bowel movement after any hemorrhoid procedure can be uncomfortable. This is especially true after surgery.

Your doctor will probably want you to have a bowel movement within 48 hours. You may be given a stool-softening medication to make it less painful.

It may take up to four weeks or longer before you can resume your usual activities after a hemorrhoidectomy. Recovering from the less-invasive procedures, such as sclerotherapy, coagulation, and rubber band litigation, may take just a few days. Sclerotherapy and coagulation may take a few sessions to be successful.

What If A Hemorrhoid Won’t Go Away

Most people will get relief from at-home treatments. However, sometimes these remedies do not work, or don’t work well enough. In that case, there are treatments that the doctor can provide. These can range from pills to prescription creams to minimally invasive procedures, and even to hemorrhoid removal surgery.

Also Check: Ulcerative Colitis And Bleeding Hemorrhoids

How To Get Rid Of 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 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 22 testimonials and 93% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 1,986,408 times.

Hemorrhoids, while very painful, usually arent serious and tend to go away on their own. This wikiHow will give you some tips for quickly getting rid of them in a safe, easy way.

Also Check: How To Relieve Constipation With Hemorrhoids

What Causes Hemorrhoids And How To Prevent Them

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One of the main causes of hemorrhoids is straining when a person is trying to have a bowel movement. This may happen if someone is constipated or if diarrhea occurs. It may also occur if a person is sitting on the toilet too long.

To prevent hemorrhoids, you have to prevent constipation.

To do this, you have to include more fiber in your diet. Fresh fruits, leafy vegetables and whole-grain bread and cereals are good sources of fiber that might help.

Drink plenty of fluids, except alcohol, with eight glasses of water a day being ideal. Of course, regular and frequent exercise is healthy for hemorrhoids, as well as any other part of the body. Try to avoid laxatives except for Bulk-forming laxatives such as Fiberall or Metamucil. Other types of laxatives can lead to diarrhea, which can only worsen hemorrhoids. When you feel the need to have a bowel movement, do not wait too long to use the bathroom.

Recommended Reading: How To Fix Internal Hemorrhoids

What Are The Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids That Havent Prolapsed

If you have an internal hemorrhoid, you may have no noticeable symptoms. In some cases, there may be some bleeding. If you have bleeding, it will likely show up as bright red blood on a tissue when you wipe following a bowel movement.

External hemorrhoids, even if they havent prolapsed, may feel uncomfortable and itchy.

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.

Read Also: Can You Have Hemorrhoids And Not Know It

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Cold Compresses Or Ice Packs

Sitting on a cold compress or ice pack when hemorrhoids feel irritated can help reduce the swelling and numb irritation. Wrap the cold or ice pack in a towel and place it in the area with the hemorrhoid underneath you. Keep it there for up the 15 minutes and repeat hourly to maintain the relief it provides.

Sameet Shah, D.O. contributes to topics such as Gastroenterology.

Near the top of the list of health issues people avoid talking about is hemorrhoids, even to doctors. Theyre uncomfortable, theyre unattractive, they bleed, and they make going to the bathroom a challenge. Theyre also very common. In fact, about half of people have had a bout with hemorrhoids by the time they reach 50 years old.

Taking A Sitz Bath In The Bathtub

Is There a Way to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids for Good?

If youre taking a sitz bath in the bathtub, the first step is to clean the tub.

  • Clean the tub by mixing 2 tablespoons of bleach with 1/2 gallon of water. Scrub the bathtub and rinse thoroughly.
  • Next, fill the tub with 3 to 4 inches of water. The water should be warm, but not hot enough to cause burns or discomfort. You can test the temperature of the water by placing a drop or two on your wrist. When youve found a comfortable temperature, add any substances your doctor recommended to the bath.
  • Now, step into the tub and soak your perineum for 15 to 20 minutes. Bend your knees or, if possible, dangle your legs over the sides of the tub to keep them out of the water altogether.
  • When you get out of the bathtub, gently pat yourself dry with a clean cotton towel. Dont rub or scrub the perineum, as this may cause pain and irritation.
  • Finish by rinsing the bathtub thoroughly.
  • A plastic sitz bath kit fits over the toilet. Rinse the bath kit with clean water before using it. Then, add very warm but not hot water along with any medications or solutions recommended by your doctor.

  • Place the sitz bath into the open toilet.
  • Test it by trying to move it from side to side to ensure it will stay in place and wont shift.
  • You can pour warm water in before you sit down, or you can use the plastic bag and tubing to fill the tub with water after youve sat down. The water should be deep enough so that it covers your perineum.
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    The Three Worst Things You Can Do

  • Spend too much time on the toilet. Having good bowel habits means eating a healthy diet and spending no more than five minutes on the toilet, says Dr. Nandra.
  • Over-wipe or wipe aggressively. Use plain, unscented, hypoallergenic wipes wet tissue cotton balls or a bidet to clean yourself.
  • Not call your doctor when it could be something more serious. Any kind of rectal bleeding should be checked out by a doctor, especially if it is associated with unintended weight loss or anemia, says Dr. Shah. These symptoms could be a sign of something more serious. Its important to listen to your body, and if something doesnt feel right, its best to get evaluated by a medical professional.
  • How Can You Prevent Constipation

    To avoid constipation and straining during bowel movements, people are often advised to change their diet, drink plenty of fluids, and get enough exercise. High-fiber foods like fruits, cereals, vegetables and legumes are generally recommended to try to make stools softer.

    Studies suggest that plant fibers such as psyllium husk can reduce the frequency of bleeding. Whether or not they relieve other symptoms too hasnt been well studied. People who use psyllium husk must make sure that they drink enough fluids. But fiber can also cause diarrhea, which in turn leads to hemorrhoids being irritated even more by frequent bowel movements.

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    Consider Having A Clot Removed

    External hemorrhoids can result in extremely painful blood clots, and while theyre not dangerous, they can take a couple of weeks to resolve on their own. If yours scores high on your personal pain scale, a doctor can remove a thrombosed hemorrhoid with a relatively simple in-office procedure under local anesthetic in about 10 minutes. Keep in mind: The first 24 to 48 hours are typically the most painfuland the best time to have a clot removed, says Dr. Ky.

    What Is A Hemorrhoid

    How Long Do Hemorrhoids Last?

    A hemorrhoid is essentially an engorged or swollen blood vessel, says Sameet Shah, D.O., a gastroenterologist at Mountainside Medical Group.

    Hemorrhoids can be inside or outside your body. With external hemorrhoids, you can see them and they tend to hurt. With internal hemorrhoids, you dont see or feel them, but a symptom might be bleeding during a bowel movement.

    The most common cause of hemorrhoids is due to constipation or straining while using the toilet. Women are prone to hemorrhoids during pregnancy and after giving birth because of the increased pressure on the pelvic floor and hormonal changes that can lead to constipation. Children and adolescents can also get hemorrhoids.

    Recommended Reading: What Can I Do About External Hemorrhoids

    Also Check: What To Do When Hemorrhoids Won T Go Away

    Treating External Hemorrhoids At Home

    There are many methods of alleviating external hemorrhoids symptoms at home, such as:

    However, should symptoms persist, or if you are unsure if your symptoms result from external hemorrhoids, it is best to contact a physician for diagnosis and treatment. Although these remedies can provide relief, most at-home treatments merely mask the symptoms caused by hemorrhoids instead of getting rid of the underlying issue. For this reason, you will most likely need to see a professional for long-lasting pain relief.

    Interestingly, although you may think your symptoms come from your external hemorrhoids, many times it is the internal hemorrhoid disease causing the problems.

    Best For Hemorrhoid Shrinking: Dr Cole’s Herbal Balm Hemorrhoid Treatment

    Chock-full of expert-recommended essential oils and ingredients like witch hazel, beeswax, olive oil, yarrow, and vitamin E, this organic balm numbs and shrinks hemorrhoids gently and effectively. When you open the tin, be sure to stir the contents with a fork, as the beeswax tends to settle on top and needs to be blended into the mixture. Apply a dime-sized amount to the irritated area three to four times a day.

    “This product has literally saved my life,” one reviewer writes. “I can’t use over the counter or prescription treatments. This is the only product that I don’t have a severe allergic reaction to. It soothes and comforts and helps shrink the hemorrhoids.”

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    Can Hemorrhoids Heal On Their Own

    Hemorrhoids are often referred to as piles. They are a swelling that occurs in the veins of the rectum. Hemorrhoids are a normal condition, but can cause significant discomfort. Hemorrhoids are most common in people who have a weak pelvic floor, often people who have been constipated for a long time or who have a history of strain during bowel movements.

    Hemorrhoid Remedies You Can Try On Your Own At Home

    Hemorrhoids And The Simple Way To Treat Them

    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 warm 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.
    • Dont push too hard or strain while passing a bowel movement.
    • 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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    Don’t Make Things Worse

    Bump up the fiber. It softens your stools and makes them move through your body more easily. You’ll find it in beans, whole-grain breads and cereals, and fresh fruits and veggies. You may also want to try a supplement if you can’t 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 they’re 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 you’re working hard. It’s common to hold your breath as you’re pushing, pulling, or making an effort — 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

    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.”

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    Other Ways To Shrink Hemorrhoids

    Some of the true and tested techniques for shrinking hemorrhoids include:

  • Warm Bath – sitting in a warm bath for 15 minutes several times a day, especially after a bowel movement
  • Psyllium Husk – This seems to make you more regular and may result in hemorrhoid shrinkage.
  • Epsom Salts – Epsom salts are thought to relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids and may cause shrinkage when used in a bath or sitz bath.
  • Over-the-counter Medications – These contain ingredients like witch hazel and phenylephrine, a vasoconstrictor that can help shrink your hemorrhoids.
  • Proper Diet – Eating healthy can shrink hemorrhoids down pretty quick, especially if your hemorrhoids are bowel movement related .
  • There are some foods that you should refrain from eating once you have an onset of hemorrhoids as well.

    A list of those foods which should be avoided includes the following:

    Best Ointment: Doctor Butler’s Hemorrhoid & Fissure Ointment

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    “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.”

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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.

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