Hemorrhoids

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are similar to varicose veins in that they’re swollen veins, but instead of your leg, they develop in your anus or lower rectum. You may develop hemorrhoids if there’s increased pressure on the veins in these areas. Common causes of the increased pressure include:

• Sitting too long on the toilet
• Straining during a bowel movement
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Anal intercourse
• Not getting enough fiber in your diet
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea

Hemorrhoids are common, affecting 3 in 4 adults at some point in time.

What are the types of hemorrhoids?

The location of your hemorrhoids determines the type and may also play a role in whether you experience symptoms or not. Types of hemorrhoids include:

Internal hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids are located inside your rectum, within the anal canal. You may not experience any discomfort with these types of hemorrhoids, however, they may bleed after a bowel movement.

Internal hemorrhoids can also be pushed out of the rectum during a bowel movement, which is referred to as a prolapsed hemorrhoid and may lead to pain, swelling, bleeding, and trouble with hygiene.

External hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids are found under the skin around your anus. These hemorrhoids may be itchy, may burn and can also bleed. They can also be visually unappealing.

Thrombosed hemorrhoids

If a blood clot or thrombosis, forms in your internal or external hemorrhoid, it’s referred to as thrombosed hemorrhoid. These types of hemorrhoids can lead to severe pain and inflammation. With a thrombosed hemorrhoid, you may feel a hard lump near your anus.

A small office procedure with local anesthesia will give you immediate relief.

Your specialist at Progressive Surgical Care conducts a comprehensive evaluation when you come to the office with concerns about hemorrhoids to determine the type of hemorrhoids you have, which may direct treatment.

What treatments can relieve my hemorrhoid symptoms?

Treatment for your hemorrhoids may depend on the type of hemorrhoid you have, as well as the severity of your symptoms. Your specialist at Progressive Surgical Care may recommend at-home remedies to relieve your symptoms, such as applying over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams, adding more fiber to your diet, and taking sitz baths.  

If you’ve formed a thrombosis in your hemorrhoid, your specialist can easily treat the thrombosed hemorrhoid with a simple incision and drainage of the blood clot. For internal hemorrhoids, the experienced team offers a painless rubber band treatment to remove the swollen veins, which is a minimally invasive procedure conducted at the office.

For expert care of your hemorrhoids, call Progressive Surgical Care today or request an appointment online.