There’s a good chance you’ve found this article because you suspect you have a hemorrhoid, but you’re not sure exactly what they are or what you need to do to get rid of them. There’s no need to be embarrassed about this condition: 50% of adults will experience hemorrhoids before they’re 50, but what are they, and how can they be treated?
There are essentially two different types of hemorrhoids: internal and external, as defined by their location within your rectum. In both cases, the one of the main causes of hemorrhoids is thought to be excessive straining due to pregnancy, constipation, diarrhea, or heavy lifting.
External hemorrhoids tend to be the more obvious affliction, manifesting as bulges or bumps around the anus. Frequently, this type of hemorrhoid becomes itchy, swollen, irritating, and in some cases, painful. There are more symptoms that may indicate an external hemorrhoid, but you should consult with your physician for an accurate diagnosis.
While external hemorrhoids may be more obvious, internal are more common. In fact, everyone has internal hemorrhoids, but they’re not a problem until the blood vessels within your rectum become swollen and the tissue begins to loosen.
Minor bleeding is a common indicator that you have an internal hemorrhoid, and as the swelling develops, you may start to experience some of the typical hemorrhoid symptoms. Constipation is a common cause of internal hemorrhoids, but you might not notice any pain as there are very few nerves found in that region of your rectum.
As things progress, the internal hemorrhoid tissue may manifest outside of the anus as a prolapsed hemorrhoid. Your doctor can determine whether you have an external hemorrhoid or a prolapsed internal hemorrhoid. If you notice a small amount of blood on the toilet paper or feel excess tissue around your anus, you should consult with your doctor to find the underlying issue and seek the appropriate treatment.
There are many treatment options available for both internal and external hemorrhoids. The first step is to see a doctor to properly diagnose that you do in fact have hemorrhoids. There are many conditions that share similar symptoms. Once you’ve received a diagnosis that you do have hemorrhoids, you can explore and compare treatment options.
Most people suffering from external hemorrhoids also have internal hemorrhoids and the treatment can be the same if your doctor is one of the 2,000 physicians across the United States trained in the CRH O’Regan System. This non-surgical solution can provide almost immediate relief through rubber band ligation. Your doctor will use a single-use ligator to attach a tiny rubber band around the nerve-less base of your internal hemorrhoid, cutting off the blood supply and causing the banded tissue to shrink and fall off, usually within a few days. Though the band is placed around the internal hemorrhoid, this banding process can be used indirectly in most cases to treat most external hemorrhoids as well, and is highly effective in reducing the symptoms, discomfort and pain you may be experiencing. The CRH O’Regan System is fast, painless, and in most cases, a permanent solution. .
Hemorrhoids, whether they’re internal or external, rarely go away on their own. Left untreated, your hemorrhoids may develop further and become more difficult to treat, possibly to the point of requiring surgery. If you suspect you have hemorrhoids, consult with your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. The sooner you have it treated, the quicker you’ll be able to get on with your life.
