Hemorrhoids, How Long Do They Last?

In the United States, hemorrhoids affect about 50% of all people at some point in their life. The symptoms range from uncomfortable to painful and may include itching, bleeding, and discomfort or pain during a bowel movement. In general they will resolve on their own without treatment but there are treatments that can speed up the process. When piles don’t go away on their own, surgery is an option.

How Long Do Hemorrhoids Last?

Hemorrhoids are generally known to resolve on their own within a few weeks or months. Symptoms may last longer if hemorrhoid treatments aren’t used. Treatment options vary but many doctors recommend using suppositories. There are creams that can be used at home, pads that help absorb blood and other symptoms, ointments to treat itching, and wipes to clean up after a bowel movement.

What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectal area. There are hemorrhoids that exist within the anus and hemorrhoids that develop around the outside of the anus. Internal hemorrhoids are more common in women while external hemorrhoids are more commonly found in men.

Types Of Hemorrhoids?

There are four types of hemorrhoids: internal, prolapsed, thrombosed, and external. The symptoms are generally the same for each type, but treatments vary depending on the type present. Internal hemorrhoids are located inside the rectum and are typically painless. These may bleed if they become irritated or inflamed due to bowel movements or other outside pressure.

Prolapsed hemorrhoids extend from within the anus to outside of the anus and may cause discomfort or pain due to the mass that is visible outside of the body. Thrombosed hemorrhoids are piles that become inflamed and large, causing blood clots on the hemorrhoid itself. These hemorrhoids may be painful and require surgery to treat. External hemorrhoids occur around the anal opening and can be painful or itchy.

How Long Does It Take For Hemorrhoids To Go Away?

Internal hemorrhoids usually resolve on their own within a few weeks but may last longer if hemorrhoid treatments aren’t used. External hemorrhoids can also go away on their own, but hemorrhoid treatments are often recommended because they relieve the pain and itching hemorrhoids causes.

Prolapsed hemorrhoids may resolve on their own but it is also common for treatment medications to be prescribed by a doctor. These hemorrhoids often require surgical hemorrhoid removal if they don’t resolve on their own after several months. Thrombosed hemorrhoids will not resolve without treatments and often require surgery to remove.

Hemorrhoids are a common problem for people all over the world, but most resolve on their own without hemorrhoid treatment. In general, they will go away within a few weeks or months. If they don’t resolve on their own and treatments aren’t used, some may need surgery to be treated. 

Internal hemorrhoids are usually painless but can bleed during a bowel movement or from being irritated or inflamed due to pressure on the pile. External hemorrhoids occur around the anal opening and can be itchy or painful. Prolapsed hemorrhoids extend from within the anus to outside of the anus and may cause discomfort or pain due to the mass that is visible outside of the body. Thrombosed hemorrhoids are hemorrhoids that become inflamed and large, causing blood clots on the hemorrhoid itself.

How long do they last? Internal hemorrhoids usually resolve on their own within a few weeks or less but may last longer if treatment medications aren’t used. External hemorrhoids can also go away on their own, but hemorrhoid treatment medications are often recommended because hemorrhoids cause pain and itching.

Prolapsed hemorrhoids may resolve on their own but treatments are often prescribed by a doctor. These often require surgical removal if they don’t resolve on their own after several months. Thrombosed hemorrhoids will not resolve without treatments and often require surgery.

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.