Hemorrhoids

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen and twisted veins that form inside and outside your body by your anus. Increased pressure from pregnancy or straining during bowel movements are among the causes of hemorrhoids.

Most hemorrhoids go away on their own, but treatments like rubber band ligation can help with persistent hemorrhoids.

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?

Your symptoms depend on whether your hemorrhoids are internal or external. With internal hemorrhoids, you may notice:

• Bleeding after a bowel movement, such as bright red blood on toilet paper or your stool
• A hemorrhoid that drops through your anal opening, which is called a prolapse

If your hemorrhoids are external, you may experience:

• Itchy feeling around your anus
• Aches or pains in your anus, particularly when sitting
• One or several tender, hard lumps near your anus

Rubbing, cleaning around your anus, or straining during bowel movements may make your symptoms worse.

What causes hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids may form for a variety of reasons, including:

• Pregnancy
• Straining when passing a bowel movement
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Sitting on the toilet for an extended period
• Eating a low-fiber diet
• Frequently lifting heavy objects

As you age, the supportive tissues in your rectum and anus become weak, leading to hemorrhoids.

How are hemorrhoids diagnosed?

Dr. Halow diagnoses hemorrhoids after taking a medical history and examining you. He looks for:

• Swelling, lumps, or irritated skin
• Stool leakage or mucus
• Prolapsed internal hemorrhoids
• External hemorrhoids
• Skin tags
• Anal fissures

Dr. Halow next recommends treatment based on your diagnosis.

How are hemorrhoids treated?

Dr. Halow may initially recommend at-home treatment, including over-the-counter creams or ointments. He also may recommend nutrition counseling to make sure your diet includes enough fiber. If your hemorrhoids aren’t getting better, you may benefit from a procedure called rubber band ligation.

During rubber band ligation, Dr. Halow places special rubber bands around the base of your hemorrhoid to cut off the blood flow. In about a week, the banded part of the hemorrhoid withers and falls off. As scar tissue grows on what’s left of the hemorrhoid, it often shrivels further.

If hemorrhoids are troubling you, Dr. Halow offers expert diagnosis and treatment to relieve your pain and discomfort. Call today or book a consultation online.