Discover the 5 crucial signs that indicate it’s time to seek medical attention for your hemorrhoids. Learn how a doctor can provide effective relief and prevent future flare-ups.

Understanding Hemorrhoids: What You Need to Know

Hemorrhoids are a common condition that affects many individuals, yet they often carry a stigma. These vascular cushions in the rectum help us control bowel function, but when increased pressure causes the veins in the lower rectum and anus to swell, they can become inflamed and painful. Factors that can contribute to the development of hemorrhoids include a low-fiber diet, straining during bowel movements, prolonged sitting, pregnancy, obesity, and improper lifting techniques.

There are two main types of hemorrhoids: internal hemorrhoids, which are located inside the rectum and often less painful, and external hemorrhoids, which are found under the skin around the anus and are generally more painful.

When to Seek Medical Care for Hemorrhoids

While some hemorrhoids may resolve on their own with simple home remedies like increased water intake, fiber consumption, and over-the-counter medications, there are certain situations when it’s crucial to seek medical attention. Let’s explore the five key signs that indicate you should see a doctor for your hemorrhoids:

1. Bleeding Before, During, or After Bowel Movements

If you notice bleeding during or around your bowel movements, it’s essential to seek medical care. While this can be a symptom of hemorrhoids, it may also be a sign of a more serious condition, such as colon or anal cancer. Your doctor can help you identify the cause of the bleeding and provide appropriate treatment.

2. Persistent Discomfort or Symptoms for More Than a Week

When you’ve experienced persistent discomfort, pain, or itching from hemorrhoids for more than a week, it’s time to consult a doctor. While some symptoms may resolve on their own, others may require medical intervention, such as dietary changes, in-office procedures, or even surgery, to provide lasting relief and prevent recurrence.

3. Worsening Symptoms

Home remedies can provide temporary relief for hemorrhoid-related symptoms, but they don’t necessarily address the underlying issue. If your symptoms continue to worsen or don’t improve, it’s crucial to seek medical care. Your doctor can help identify the root cause and provide more effective treatment options to manage your hemorrhoids.

4. Prolapsed Hemorrhoid

If an internal hemorrhoid becomes severely inflamed, it can prolapse, or fall outside of the anus. While some prolapsed hemorrhoids may retract on their own, if it cannot be easily pushed back in or it causes pain or bleeding, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly. Early treatment is crucial in these cases.

5. Uncertain Cause of Discomfort

If you’re experiencing bleeding, discomfort, or pain in the anal region, and you don’t have a history of hemorrhoids, it’s best to see a doctor. The symptoms could indicate a different underlying condition, and an expert can accurately diagnose the cause and provide the appropriate treatment.

What to Expect at Your Doctor’s Visit

When you visit your doctor for hemorrhoid-related concerns, you can expect a thorough evaluation that includes a review of your medical history, a discussion of your symptoms, and a physical examination. Your doctor will ask detailed questions to identify the underlying cause of your inflamed hemorrhoid and determine the most effective course of treatment.

During the physical examination, your doctor may perform a visual inspection or use a specialized instrument called an anoscope to get a closer look at the affected area. This helps them accurately diagnose the type and severity of your hemorrhoids and rule out any other potential issues.

Treatments for Hemorrhoids

Depending on the severity of your hemorrhoids and the underlying factors contributing to their development, your doctor may recommend a range of treatment options. These may include:

• Dietary and lifestyle changes (e.g., increasing fiber intake, staying hydrated, avoiding straining during bowel movements)
• Over-the-counter medications (e.g., topical creams, ointments, or suppositories)
• In-office procedures (e.g., rubber band ligation, infrared coagulation, or sclerotherapy)
• Surgical interventions (e.g., hemorrhoidectomy, stapled hemorrhoidopexy)

Your doctor will work with you to develop the most appropriate treatment plan based on the severity of your condition and your individual needs.

Preventing Hemorrhoid Recurrence

In addition to providing effective treatment, your doctor can also offer guidance on how to prevent future hemorrhoid flare-ups. This may include recommendations for dietary changes, such as increasing fiber intake, staying hydrated, and avoiding straining during bowel movements. They may also suggest lifestyle modifications, such as taking regular breaks from prolonged sitting or improving your lifting techniques.

By addressing the underlying factors that contribute to the development of hemorrhoids and following your doctor’s recommendations, you can take proactive steps to reduce the likelihood of experiencing recurrent hemorrhoid issues.

Conclusion

Hemorrhoids are a common condition, but that doesn’t mean they should be ignored. If you’re experiencing any of the five key signs that indicate it’s time to seek medical care, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your doctor. With the right diagnosis and treatment, you can find relief and take steps to prevent future hemorrhoid flare-ups. Remember, your health and well-being should always be the top priority.

5 Signs it’s Time to Seek Care for Hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids seem to have a stigma to them, but the truth is, we all have them. It’s not uncommon for them to become inflamed and cause pain, itching, or bleeding. Many times, hemorrhoids go away on their own, but sometimes a trip to the doctor is necessary for faster relief, peace of mind, and tips to prevent them from coming back.

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are vascular cushions in the rectum that help us to control bowel function. When increased pressure causes the veins in your lower rectum and anus to swell, they can become inflamed and painful. Often this occurs as a result of:

• Low-fiber diets
• Straining during bowel movements
• Prolonged sitting
• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Lifting something heavy with incorrect form

There are two types of hemorrhoids:

Internal hemorrhoids, which are located inside the rectum and often less painful than external hemorrhoids.

External hemorrhoids, which are found under the skin around the anus and are generally more painful.

Learn more about hemorrhoid symptoms.

When is it time to seek medical care for hemorrhoids?

Drinking more water, eating more fiber, and taking over-the-counter medications may help hemorrhoids to resolve on their own at home. However, often a doctor can help you get effective relief faster than you might on your own. And, in some cases, your symptoms could indicate a condition more serious than hemorrhoids. That’s why it’s always better to be safe than sorry and get your hemorrhoids evaluated sooner rather than later.

If you notice bleeding before, during, or after bowel movements.

If you notice blood before, during, or after bowel movements, you should seek medical care. Bleeding during bowel movements may be associated with hemorrhoids, but it could also be a sign of something more serious, such as colon or anal cancer. Call your doctor so you can get an accurate diagnosis and rule out anything life-threatening. Your doctor can help you identify and address the cause of your bleeding. And if it’s hemorrhoids, they can offer treatment, relief, and suggestions to help you prevent hemorrhoids from recurring.

If discomfort from hemorrhoids isn’t resolved within a week.

When you’ve had persistent discomfort, pain, or itching for a week, it’s time to talk to a doctor. While some symptoms of hemorrhoids resolve on their own, others do not and can be treated by a doctor, so you don’t have to live with the daily symptoms. Your doctor can recommend treatments that range from the conservative, like dietary and behavioral changes, or in-office procedures, such as rubber band ligation, to more invasive approaches like surgery.

If your symptoms continue worsening.

While many home remedies may provide temporary relief of inflammation, pain, or discomfort caused by hemorrhoids, they don’t necessarily cure the issue. That’s why it’s important to seek medical care for hemorrhoids, especially if your symptoms get worse. On top of treating your hemorrhoids, your doctor can help you reduce the chances of another hemorrhoid flare-up by discussing things like your diet, staying hydrated, and changing your bathroom habits.

If you notice a bulge, you may have a prolapsed hemorrhoid.

If an internal hemorrhoid becomes severely inflamed, it can prolapse, or fall outside of the anus. Many times it will retract on its own but not always. If it can’t easily be pushed back in, or it causes pain or bleeding, early hemorrhoid treatment from a doctor is important.

If you’re not certain your discomfort is caused by hemorrhoids.

When you have bleeding, discomfort, or pain in the anal region, it could be a sign of an inflamed hemorrhoid. Or, it could indicate that something else is wrong. This is especially true if you don’t have a history of hemorrhoids. That’s why it’s always better to play it safe and see a doctor, as they can accurately diagnose the cause of your symptoms. It’s much better to have an expert confirm that you don’t have something more serious like cancer than to avoid a hemorrhoid treatment just because you’re uncomfortable seeking care.

We all have #Hemorrhoids, but if yours become painfully inflamed, a doctor can help. On the #LiveWellHealthy blog, colorectal surgeon Dr. Nicole Chaumont shares 5 signs that indicate you should seek care for hemorrhoids: https://bit.ly/2OQFntt.

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What to expect at your doctor’s visit.

Whether you see a primary care doctor or a colon and rectal specialist, you can expect that your medical provider will conduct a thorough evaluation that includes:

• A review of your medical history
• Discussion of your symptoms
• Physical examination

During your appointment, your doctor will ask you detailed questions about what makes your symptoms better or worse. It’s important to be honest and direct so that they can identify what’s causing your inflamed hemorrhoid.

In most cases, the physical exam will require an internal exam of your anus and rectum. If that does not clarify the cause of your symptoms, or if you are at a high risk for cancer, your doctor may need to perform a colonoscopy to make sure your pain or bleeding isn’t caused by a more complex health issue.

Regardless of what sends you to the doctor for hemorrhoid treatment, know that it’s as common as getting other routine care. Prompt treatment can alleviate unnecessary pain and discomfort so if you think you have hemorrhoids, don’t delay your care.

Do you have a hemorrhoid that’s causing you discomfort?

Request an appointment with a MedStar Health specialist today.

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What If Treating Hemorrhoids at Home Doesn’t Work?

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Posted
August 6, 2015 by
Benjamin Krevsky, MD, MPH

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anal canal. Of course, everyone has veins in this area, but when they become enlarged they can bleed, itch and cause pain.

Hemorrhoids can be located internally, externally or sometimes both. While rarely a serious condition, hemorrhoids certainly cause a lot of discomfort and concern. I previously discussed treatments you can do at home to get relief. These treatments included hydration, fiber, sitz baths, soothing wipes, ointments, creams, suppositories and more. But what do you do when this does not solve the problem?

When Should You Go to the Doctor for Hemorrhoids?

Again, before assuming that your condition is hemorrhoids, it’s a good idea to see your doctor for an examination. After all, it’s difficult to take a look for yourself. If there is any bleeding, severe pain or fecal incontinence (loss of bowel control), you should definitely see the doctor. A large amount of bleeding or the sudden onset of severe pain means you should seek medical treatment immediately.

What Kind of Doctor Treats Hemorrhoids?

In most cases, you can see a primary care physician about your hemorrhoid symptoms. But if there are complications, your doctor may refer you to a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist or a proctologist (surgeon).

How Do Doctors Treat Hemorrhoids?

Doctors can treat hemorrhoids by prescribing medications or by performing minor surgery to major surgery. Here are several treatment options:

Prescription Ointments, Creams and Suppositories

These usually contain an emollient (medication to soften and soothe the skin). In addition, there may be an anesthetic (for example, pramoxine) and/or steroid (hydrocortisone). Prescription strength medications often work better than their over-the-counter cousins. But sometimes not so much.

An oral tablet called Vasculera comes with some prescription treatment kits (Analpram advanced kit) and also helps reduce the size of hemorrhoids.

Rubber Band Ligation

In this common treatment, the doctor applies miniature rubber bands to the internal hemorrhoids. This causes them to shrink up, stop bleeding and pull back inside. There are several different techniques for performing the procedure.

In one form, (CRH O’Regan) single bands are applied once a week for several weeks. This is done as an outpatient in the doctor’s office. Multiple bands can also be placed right after a colonoscopy or other endoscopic procedure while you are still sedated. This would be done in an outpatient surgery center or hospital procedure room. Bands can also be placed without another procedure.

Depending on the doctor and your individual situation, it could be with or without sedation. While rubber band ligation works for most patients, it doesn’t work all the time. Also, there are some potential complications – bleeding, pain and infection. Recovery can range from a day or 2 to 6 weeks.

Infrared Coagulation

In this procedure, hot light is applied to the base of the hemorrhoid to seal it off. This is usually done in a surgery center but can be done in the office.

The advantages include:

• High success rate in small or medium hemorrhoids
• Very rapid recovery
• Very low risk of any complications

Usually, your recovery is complete as soon as the procedure is finished. There may be a second treatment required if the first treatment does not work.

Laser Treatment

Actually, laser treatment is not done any more. It was similar in principle to infrared coagulation, but the equipment is much more complicated and expensive.

Bipolar Therapy

This uses electrical energy to cauterize the hemorrhoids. While it is effective, it can be a painful treatment.

Radiofrequency Hemorrhoid Ligation

This method uses a probe to grasp the hemorrhoid and then cauterize it using high frequency electricity (HETTM) . Experience with this technique is limited.

Doppler Ligation

In the operating room, a surgeon uses a special ultrasound probe in the rectum to find the arteries supplying the hemorrhoids. Then a suture is placed around each artery to cut off the blood flow.

This is performed in the operating room and requires special equipment not commonly available. Recovery is quick and painless for most people.

Surgical Hemorrhoidectomy

This involves cutting out the hemorrhoids with a scalpel or cutting through the wall of the rectum and stapling the area shut again. This is true surgery and has a recovery period of several weeks. It can be very painful post-operatively and infection is often a problem.

However, this treatment works for the worst hemorrhoids, works when the other treatments fail, and has the longest period before the hemorrhoids come back.

Is It Common for Hemorrhoids to Reoccur?

Yes! Sometimes it takes a year or two, sometimes longer, but they can come back again after any treatment. They can even come back after surgery, but usually not for a long time.

How Do You Decide Which Hemorrhoid Therapy Is Best for You?

Everybody’s situation is different. Discuss the options with your gastroenterologist or surgeon. If they only offer one kind of treatment, they may not be selecting the best one for your hemorrhoids.

In the meantime, if you have more questions or feel your condition is urgent, contact your Temple physician or healthcare provider.

To schedule an appointment, please call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) or request an appointment online.

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What does a proctologist treat and how to prepare for an examination? Indications for visiting a doctor at the MEDSI Clinic

A proctologist is a specialist who treats diseases of the rectum, large intestine and anus. You should contact this doctor immediately after the first signs of the disease are detected. MEDSI clinics employ experienced specialists who provide support to patients with a variety of proctological problems.

Proctologist specialization

A proctologist treats infectious, parasitic, congenital, inflammatory and oncological diseases of the intestine, colon and surrounding tissues. The specialist examines patients and collects anamnesis. You can also get medical advice from a professional.

Doctors have a therapeutic or surgical profile. Doctors of the first type carry out only conservative therapy, the second – surgical interventions.

What diseases does the doctor treat for women?

A proctologist treats:

• Hemorrhoids. This disease occurs due to varicose veins in the rectum and leads to the development of hemorrhoids that protrude from the anus, causing discomfort, bleeding and pain
• Anal fissures. This pathology occurs as a result of damage to the walls of the rectum
• Polyps in the colon. This pathology belongs to the category of benign formations and is hereditary in nature
• Paraproctitis. These diseases lead to inflammation of the perirectal tissues and the formation of fistulas
• Worm infestations
• Cancers

Women should consult a doctor when the first signs of any of the listed pathologies are detected.

These include:

• Constipation or fecal incontinence
• Pain in the anus
• Anal bleeding
• Discharge from anus mucus and pus
• Bloating

What diseases does it treat in men?

In men, proctologists treat the same diseases as in women.

You should consult a specialist for hemorrhoids, anal fissures, polyps, proctitis and paraproctitis. It is important to understand that only with timely diagnosis, diagnosis and treatment, one can count on the rapid elimination of not only the symptoms of diseases, but also their causes. Turning to a doctor in the early stages of the development of pathology, the patient receives adequate conservative therapy, which avoids the need for surgical intervention.

How to prepare for the examination?

Preparing for a proctologist examination is quite simple. You don’t have to go on a special diet or do cleansing enemas.

Follow these guidelines:

• It is recommended to have a bowel movement before going to the doctor. If necessary, you can take a laxative. This will allow the specialist to make a preliminary diagnosis
• One day before the appointment with the proctologist, you should exclude from the diet products that stimulate increased gas formation
• Immediately before going to the doctor, perform standard hygiene procedures (washing with soap)
• Try to calm down and not worry. There is nothing terrible and shameful in the examination by a proctologist. Doctor doing his job

How is the inspection?

An examination by a proctologist takes place in several stages:

• History taking and listening to patient complaints
• Primary examination. It is carried out by palpation. The organs are palpated by the doctor through the abdominal wall and through the anus. Such an examination allows you to assess the condition of the anal canal and closely located parts of the intestine. Diagnosis by palpation makes it possible to detect pathological formations and damage to the walls
• Anoscopy. To conduct this examination, an anoscope is used – a special device in the form of a hollow tube with a light tip and an adapter, which allows you to perform a visual examination of the walls of the rectum. For diagnosis, the patient lies on his side and pulls his legs to his stomach. The device is inserted into the anus and allows the doctor to see all the changes. In addition, during anoscopy, biopsy material is taken
• Sigmoidoscopy. This examination is carried out using a sigmoidoscope. Diagnosis is aimed at assessing the rectum and sigmoid colon, as well as the condition of the mucous membranes at a depth of up to 40 cm. The sigmoidoscope is a fiber optic tube with a lighting device. For diagnosis, the patient is asked to kneel and elbows. This ensures that the tool penetrates to the desired depth
• Colonoscopy. Such an examination belongs to the category of endoscopic and is one of the most informative. With such a diagnosis, tumors, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease can be detected. The procedure can be not only diagnostic, but also therapeutic. Colonoscopy is also prescribed to stop bleeding, remove small benign tumors and remove foreign bodies from the rectum. Colonoscopy can be performed under anesthesia
• Laboratory studies. Patients often donate blood and feces

If dangerous pathologies are suspected, the following is additionally prescribed:

• Computed tomography
• Intestinal ozonation
• ultrasound
• Colon hydrotherapy

Proctologist examination of children

If your child complains of pain during bowel movements, experiences other problems of a proctological nature, you should immediately register him with a doctor. As a rule, the diagnosis of diseases in children is carried out using the palpation technique. Instrumental methods are not used because of the too small size of the rectum. Additionally, the doctor prescribes ultrasound, CT and other examinations that are non-invasive.

Who treats colitis – proctologist or gastroenterologist?

Proctologists are involved in the treatment of colitis, as well as other diseases of the lower digestive tract. They carry out both an initial examination and consultations, as well as a complete diagnosis, and further therapy. If necessary, an additional examination by a gastroenterologist is prescribed. If the situation is complex and confusing, doctors consult and decide on the treatment of pathology together.

Benefits of visiting a proctologist at MEDSI

• Use of the latest European diagnostic and treatment protocols
• Minimization of psychological uncertainty, feelings of fear and anxiety in patients
• Experienced doctors with many years of experience. Our proctologists in Moscow regularly improve their skills, undergo internships in the world’s leading clinics
• Using a range of modern diagnostic methods: laboratory tests, endoscopy of the anal canal and rectum. MRI of the pelvic and abdominal organs
• The use of minimally invasive endoscopic and surgical intervention techniques for the treatment of diseases of the large intestine, anal canal and perineum: sclerotherapy, infrared photocoagulation, node removal, laser operations
• Lack of queues and the possibility of making an appointment with a doctor at a convenient time

To make an appointment with a proctologist, just call: +7 ((495) 152-47-53.

Do not delay treatment, contact a doctor right now:

• Proctologist appointment

rapid treatment, incl. non-surgical. Proctology professors in Moscow.

Hemorrhoids: stop hiding the problem!

People don’t want to talk about hemorrhoids – this is an intimate topic. Having discovered hemorrhoids, patients are ashamed to see a doctor, preferring to patiently endure the torment. And often they don’t even know where to turn. The disease greatly complicates everyday life – constant pain, bleeding, itching and burning in the anal area. Attempts at self-treatment with various ointments, candles do not lead to recovery, but only for a short time bring relief. Then everything starts again. But modern proctology allows you to cure hemorrhoids very quickly, without pain and forever. About what hemorrhoids are and why you should not be ashamed of going to the doctor, tells the surgeon-proctologist Alexey Gennadievich Pak.

Alexey Gennadievich, what are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids is a disease associated with the human venous system, which is characterized by the expansion of vascular formations (cavernous bodies) located in the anal canal. Cavernous bodies are present in the body of every person, but, under the influence of certain reasons, in some people there is an expansion of these bodies, which, in fact, is a disease of hemorrhoids.

More than 10,000 operations were performed, including 3,500 for deserterization.

What are the causes of hemorrhoids?

There are quite a lot of them, but the main reasons are passive, that is, sedentary lifestyle, too much physical activity and some bad habits, such as alcohol and smoking. Each of the listed factors separately does not cause hemorrhoids – this disease, as a rule, is the result of a complex of several, completely different, factors.

How can a person tell if he has hemorrhoids?

In the evening, the patient develops anal itching, he begins to notice traces of blood after defecation, there are discomfort and a feeling of a foreign body in the anus, mainly after stool. These are the first symptoms that make a person understand that he has some problems and needs to see a doctor. In the future, if the patient does not turn to a specialist, he begins to develop the second, third and fourth stages of hemorrhoids, when there is (depending on the stage of the disease) protrusion or prolapse of the enlarged cavernous bodies from the anal canal to the outside.

Why should hemorrhoids be treated by a doctor, can they go away on their own or as a result of self-treatment?

No, you cannot treat yourself, because such a disease as hemorrhoids will not go away by itself. Individual complications that occur with hemorrhoids can be treated with conservative methods – ointments, suppositories – but there are a lot of such drugs and only a doctor can choose the right and effective one for this or that complication. Unfortunately, very often people simply turn to a pharmacist from the nearest pharmacy, who, due to his competence, cannot make a correct diagnosis, or simply buy a drug advertised on TV. Only the attending physician can prescribe the correct conservative therapy for complications or exacerbations of the disease.

If hemorrhoids are left untreated, what complications can there be?

Serious complications such as anemia of the body (decrease in hemoglobin in the blood) can occur – it becomes difficult for a person to walk, shortness of breath, increased heartbeat. Thrombosis (blockage) of hemorrhoids may begin, in which severe pain occurs in the anal canal.

Which doctor treats hemorrhoids?

The treatment of hemorrhoids is handled by a proctologist, who conducts both therapeutic reception and, if necessary, surgical operations of various complexity, and treats the complications that arise.

What treatments are available?

In modern proctology, there are many different methods of treating hemorrhoids, they can be divided into three groups: conservative, minimally invasive and surgical methods. Conservative therapy is used to treat various exacerbations that occur with hemorrhoids, and with an uncured disease, it gives the patient only temporary relief.

Minimally invasive methods suggest the least traumatic effect on tissues, and a fairly short recovery period. In the last stages of the disease, when it is no longer possible to use minimally invasive methods, Milligan-Morgan surgery or the Longo operation are used.