What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the rectum (end of the small intestine) and the anus (the opening where stool leaves the body). They can occur either inside the body (internal hemorrhoids) or in the skin of your anus (external hemorrhoids).

Many different factors can cause you to develop hemorrhoids, like straining to move your bowels, sitting on the toilet for long periods, and other things that exert pressure on your abdominal and pelvic areas.

Hemorrhoids grow more common as you age; in fact, at least half of people over the age of 50 have hemorrhoids. While they don’t cause symptoms for many people, others may experience serious issues.

What symptoms can hemorrhoids cause? 

Symptoms can include:

Internal hemorrhoid symptoms

Internal hemorrhoids frequently cause painless rectal bleeding. You may have blood in your stool, on the toilet paper, or in the toilet water. Sometimes internal hemorrhoids can exit the anus, or prolapse, which can be very painful. 

External hemorrhoid symptoms

External hemorrhoids often cause swelling, itching, and discomfort in the anus. You may be able to feel a hard bump if a blood clot forms. External hemorrhoids can look similar to skin tags.

In many cases, external and internal hemorrhoids occur at the same time. So, an external hemorrhoid is very likely an indicator of internal hemorrhoids. 

How are hemorrhoids treated?

Simple lifestyle changes may resolve your hemorrhoid symptoms. Some common home care measures include:

• Avoiding straining 
• Avoiding sitting on the toilet for a long time
• Adding fiber supplements to your diet
• Using stool softeners
• Drinking more water 
• Using over-the-counter creams to ease itching and pain

If you have persistent hemorrhoid symptoms despite trying these conservative approaches, the 

Richmond Gastroenterology Associates team often recommends the definitive treatment for hemorrhoid banding, the CRH O’Regan System®. 

This system places tiny bands around internal hemorrhoids to cut off their blood supply. The hemorrhoid then shrinks and dies over time. The hemorrhoid band falls off in two to four days. You can safely flush the band, but most people don’t realize they’ve passed it.

The CRH O’Regan System takes a matter of minutes and it’s completely painless with no downtime required. While this system treats internal hemorrhoids, most people also experience relief of external hemorrhoid symptoms after treatment.

Richmond Gastroenterology Associates also offers other hemorrhoid treatments, such as infrared coagulation to heat and destroy hemorrhoids, based on your needs. Surgery is rarely needed for hemorrhoids, but the team can permanently remove your hemorrhoidal tissue should your symptoms persist.

If hemorrhoid itching and pain are driving you crazy, stop the madness by scheduling your consultation at Richmond Gastroenterology Associates or clicking the online scheduler now.