Hemorrhoids, When is a Doctor Necessary?

Woman concerned about hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lining of the rectum and anus. Symptoms involve painless, bright red blood on the toilet paper, a protruding mass or lump from outside of your bottom, mucus discharge, itching, and a painful bowel movement.

It is common to have piles but not feel any symptoms until they become so severe that you have trouble going to the bathroom. The causes include diet, prolonged sitting – especially on toilets – straining when having a bowel movement, and pregnancy.

When should you see a doctor about your hemorrhoids?

Exams performed by doctors can add much-needed information about whether or not you will need surgery. They tend to check for prolapsed internal piles because these require immediate attention since they can become blocked when blood pools inside.

If an internal pile is not blocking the anus, you can help prevent further irritation by using cold compresses and taking stool softeners or laxatives to induce bowel movements. If there is bleeding, witch hazel pads will treat the problem while relieving itching.

What are treatments for hemorrhoids?

Surgery should be considered if bleeding does not stop within a week or signs that the prolapsed hemorrhoids are becoming blocked. Prolapsed hemorrhoids can be removed without surgery, but this means that they must be manually returned to their regular positions after each bowel movement; otherwise, they get pushed back during the passage of stools.

Surgical procedures include:

The rubber band ligation method does not require an operating room and only takes about 30 minutes to complete. It is often used when there are no other complications; however, it can relapse since the veins tied off will swell again after a few months. Furthermore, this procedure cannot be performed when significant external piles are present. Doctors prefer using the “stapled hemorrhoidectomy” to perform procedures because it is associated with less pain and fewer postoperative complications, so you should have to avoid this.

It is recommended that you prevent getting piles by having a high fiber diet and avoiding straining during bowel movements. If you do not have access to these dietary changes, taking regular stool softeners will help alleviate the strain of having a bowel movement.

If they are severe or do not improve with these treatments, it is best to see your doctor for more advice on dealing with your symptoms. Outcomes may range from being instructed on how to self-care for minor cases to having surgery recommended if there are either internal or external varieties, as well as significant bleeding.

You should see a doctor about your piles if severe, chronic, or last longer than one week. This is the most common scenario in which surgery is needed to treat symptoms.

Otherwise, self-care measures will be enough to treat internal and external piles; however, it may take several weeks for them to go away, and you may need to follow up with a doctor. Your doctor will also want to know what the bleeding entails: bright red blood? Bright pink blood? Dark brownish color? Black tarry stools?

Also, tell them exactly where the pain is coming from: Is it inside when you sit down on the toilet? Outside around your anus? What does pushing on the area make the pain feel like?

Is it necessary to get surgery for hemorrhoids?

No, not always. Only if they are a persistent complication of a pre-existing condition. In which case you should see your doctor as soon as possible so you can have these bad boys cured by whatever means necessary!

In case of prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, they must be manually returned to their regular positions after each bowel movement; otherwise, they get pushed back during the passage of stools. Prolapsed hemorrhoids can be removed without surgery, but this means that they must be manually returned to their regular positions after each bowel movement; otherwise, they get pushed back during the passage of stools.

This procedure cannot be performed when there are large external hemorrhoids present. Doctors prefer using the “stapled hemorrhoidectomy” to perform procedures because it is associated with less pain and fewer postoperative complications, so you should avoid this.

Ask your doctor about HemWell, an FDA-approved, pain-free treatment that’s permanent. If your provider doesn’t offer HemWell, we can assist you in finding one that does. Please visit our website to learn more about this life-changing treatment. Learn more about hemorrhoids.