Hemorrhoids

What Causes Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids develop when increased pressure causes blood vessels around the anus or inside the rectum to swell. Common causes include straining during bowel movements, prolonged sitting, heavy lifting, obesity, pregnancy or childbirth, aging, and genetics.

Types of Hemorrhoids

• External Hemorrhoids: Form outside the anus and can cause pain, swelling, or irritation. If a blood clot develops (thrombosed hemorrhoid), they may become firm and very painful.
• Internal Hemorrhoids: Develop inside the anal canal and are usually painless but may cause bleeding. They can sometimes protrude outside the anus and become uncomfortable or painful.

Symptoms
Common symptoms include:

• Bleeding during bowel movements
• Itching or irritation
• Pain, swelling, or discomfort around the anus
• Lumps or tissue protruding from the anal opening
• Large external hemorrhoids causing severe pain or difficulty with cleaning after a bowel movement

Hemorrhoids are not cancerous, but their symptoms can be similar to more serious conditions. A proper medical evaluation is important.

Diagnosis
External hemorrhoids are usually visible during an exam. Internal hemorrhoids may require a brief internal exam or the use of a small scope (anoscope). Additional testing, such as a colonoscopy, may be recommended in some patients to rule out other conditions.

Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and ranges from minimally invasive procedures to surgery.

• Non-surgical options: Rubber band ligation and other in-office treatments that are typically quick and require little to no downtime.
• Surgical options: There are a variety of different surgical options for persistent hemorrhoids.

Recovery
Recovery time varies but most patients experience relief from symptoms within a few weeks. Common post-operative care includes:

• Pain management with medications
• Sitz baths to soothe the area and promote healing
• Stool softeners and increased fiber intake to reduce straining/ avoidance of constipation
• Avoiding heavy lifting and prolonged sitting during the initial recovery period

One of our colorectal specialists will recommend the most appropriate treatment to provide lasting relief.