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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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I know if my hemorrhoids need medical attention?
If you experience bleeding, severe pain, or symptoms that do not improve with home remedies within a week, it's important to seek medical attention for proper evaluation and treatment.
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What types of hemorrhoids exist, and how do they differ?
There are two types: internal hemorrhoids, which are inside the rectum and usually less painful, and external hemorrhoids, which are located under the skin around the anus and often cause more pain.
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What should I expect during a doctor's visit for hemorrhoids?
Expect a thorough evaluation, including a medical history review, discussion of symptoms, and a physical examination, which may involve an internal exam of the anus and rectum.
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What treatments are available for hemorrhoids?
Treatment options range from conservative methods like dietary changes and over-the-counter medications to more invasive options such as rubber band ligation or surgery, depending on severity.
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Is rectal bleeding always caused by hemorrhoids?
No. While hemorrhoids are a common cause of rectal bleeding, bleeding can also be a sign of other conditions such as anal fissures, infections, inflammatory bowel disease, or colorectal cancer. Any unexplained or recurring rectal bleeding should be checked by a medical professional.
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Can hemorrhoids go away on their own?
Mild hemorrhoids may improve with lifestyle changes such as increasing fiber intake, staying hydrated, and avoiding straining during bowel movements. However, more severe or persistent hemorrhoids often require medical evaluation and treatment.
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What causes hemorrhoids to worsen over time?
Hemorrhoids can worsen due to chronic constipation or diarrhea, straining during bowel movements, prolonged sitting (especially in the bathroom), pregnancy, obesity, or a low-fiber diet. Ignoring symptoms may also allow hemorrhoids to become more severe.
