Hemorrhoids

What are hemorrhoids?

A hemorrhoid is a swollen blood vessel in your anus. Hemorrhoids can be external or internal. 

External hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids grow in the skin around your anus. They're bumpy and often very uncomfortable.

Internal hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids grow inside your anus. They usually don't cause symptoms, but they may cause issues like painless bleeding. 

In some cases, an internal hemorrhoid can protrude through your anal opening. This prolapsed hemorrhoid can cause irritation and symptoms similar to those of an external hemorrhoid.

Both types of hemorrhoids can cause serious symptoms that interfere with your quality of life, which is why seeking treatment is so important.

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?

The most common symptoms of hemorrhoids include: 

• Blood when you wipe
• Blood in the toilet bowl
• Anal itching
• Anal soreness or pain
• Swollen skin around your anus
• Discomfort or pain during bowel movements

If you have any of these symptoms, schedule an evaluation at Specialists in Gastroenterology promptly. Hemorrhoid symptoms like rectal bleeding can also occur in inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, so you should see a GI specialist for proper treatment that’s targeted for your problem. 

What causes hemorrhoids?

The most common cause of hemorrhoids is straining during bowel movements. Sometimes, the straining happens because of chronic constipation or diarrhea related to GI problems.

Anything that causes pressure within your abdomen and rectum, like pregnancy, obesity, and sitting on the toilet for extended periods, can potentially contribute to hemorrhoid development. 

How do you treat hemorrhoids?

Specialists in Gastroenterology manages and treats hemorrhoids without surgery or pain. They offer hemorrhoid management counseling, which includes dietary guidance, behavior modification, and other simple but effective changes. 

The main in-office treatment option for hemorrhoids is Micro-Tech® In-Sight™. During this minimally invasive non-surgical treatment, your doctor places bands on your hemorrhoids to cut off their blood supply and force them to shrink. This treatment can address multiple hemorrhoids in one visit.

In most cases, minimally invasive outpatient hemorrhoid treatment relieves your symptoms. In the rare cases of permanently prolapsed hemorrhoids or recurring hemorrhoids, Specialists in Gastroenterology might recommend surgery. 

Specialists in Gastroenterology can relieve most hemorrhoid symptoms without pain, surgery, or prolonged downtime. Ready to learn more? Book your consultation by calling the office or use online scheduling today.