What are hemorrhoids? How do you get rid of hemorrhoids? Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for hemorrhoids. Get tips on natural remedies and prevention.

What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are normal cushions of tissue filled with blood vessels and found at the end of the rectum, just inside the anus. Together with a circular muscle called the anal sphincter, hemorrhoids help control bowel movement. When these hemorrhoids become enlarged, they are often associated with symptoms such as itching, mucus discharge or bleeding. There are two basic types: internal and external hemorrhoids.

What Causes Hemorrhoids?

The most common cause of hemorrhoids is straining during bowel movements. Other causes include sitting on the toilet for too long, a diet low in fiber, chronic constipation or diarrhea, aging, pregnancy, and lifting heavy objects.

Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

Symptoms of external hemorrhoids include itching around the anus, tender and hard lumps near the anus, and pain or ache around the anus, especially when sitting. Internal hemorrhoid symptoms include rectal bleeding and prolapsed hemorrhoid (bulges outside the anus).

Home Remedies for Hemorrhoids

A high-fiber diet is often the first step in treating hemorrhoids at home. Fiber helps make it easier for the body to pass softer stool, which causes less strain and pain. Other home remedies include taking a stool softener or fiber supplement, drinking plenty of water, avoiding straining during bowel movements, taking warm baths, and using over-the-counter creams or ointments.

Surgical Treatments for Hemorrhoids

If conservative treatments don’t address the symptoms or a person isn’t a candidate for in-office procedures, surgical options may be recommended. These include hemorrhoidectomy (removal of large external or prolapsed hemorrhoids) and hemorrhoid stapling (to remove internal hemorrhoids and pull prolapsed hemorrhoids back into the anus).

Preventing Hemorrhoids

To help prevent hemorrhoids, it’s important to maintain a high-fiber diet, stay hydrated, avoid straining during bowel movements, and go to the bathroom as soon as the urge arises. Identifying and treating the underlying causes, such as chronic constipation or diarrhea, can also be helpful in preventing recurrent hemorrhoids.

When to See a Doctor

If home remedies aren’t providing relief or hemorrhoid symptoms worsen, it’s important to see a doctor. Severe pain, bleeding, or prolapsed hemorrhoids may require medical treatment. A doctor can properly diagnose and recommend the best treatment option.

Hemorrhoids are a very common condition, but they don’t have to be a pain in the you-know-what. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options, you can find relief and take steps to prevent future flare-ups. Remember, it’s important to consult a doctor if home remedies aren’t working or symptoms are severe.

What is the best way to get rid of hemorrhoids? The most effective treatments often start with making changes to your diet and lifestyle. Increasing fiber intake, staying hydrated, and avoiding straining during bowel movements can all help provide relief and prevent future hemorrhoid problems.

Can you get rid of hemorrhoids permanently? Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for hemorrhoids. However, with proper treatment and prevention, many people are able to manage their hemorrhoids and reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups.

How long does it take for hemorrhoids to go away? The timeline for hemorrhoid relief can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment used. Some home remedies may provide relief within a few days, while more severe cases may take weeks or even months to fully heal with medical treatment.

Do hemorrhoids go away on their own? Mild cases of hemorrhoids can sometimes go away on their own with proper self-care. But for most people, hemorrhoids require some form of treatment, whether it’s home remedies, over-the-counter medications, or medical procedures, to provide lasting relief.

How do you treat severe hemorrhoids? For severe or persistent hemorrhoids that don’t respond to home treatments, medical interventions like rubber band ligation, infrared coagulation, or surgery may be recommended. These procedures can help shrink or remove problematic hemorrhoids.