5 Reasons to Seek Medical
Treatment for Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are a common condition that affects millions of Americans and can make everyday activities such as sitting, exercising, or having a bowel movement uncomfortable. While many hemorrhoids improve on their own, persistent symptoms such as rectal bleeding, pain, or swelling should never be ignored.
Understanding when to seek medical care can help you find relief faster and rule out more serious digestive conditions.
What Are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids, sometimes called piles, are swollen veins located in the lower rectum or around the anus. They develop when increased pressure causes the veins to stretch and swell, leading to irritation, discomfort, and other symptoms.
Hemorrhoids are extremely common. In fact, nearly half of adults will experience hemorrhoid symptoms by age 50. They are also especially common during pregnancy due to increased pressure in the pelvic area.
There are two primary types of hemorrhoids:
External Hemorrhoids
External hemorrhoids form beneath the skin surrounding the anus. These hemorrhoids are often associated with pain, itching, swelling, tenderness, and bleeding, particularly if a blood clot develops or the area becomes irritated.
Internal Hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum and are usually painless. However, they may cause bleeding during bowel movements and can occasionally prolapse, or protrude outside the anus.
Common Hemorrhoid Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of hemorrhoids. Some people experience mild irritation, while others develop more significant discomfort.
Common hemorrhoid symptoms include:
- Rectal bleeding during or after bowel movements
- Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl
- Anal itching or irritation
- Pain or discomfort around the anus
- Swelling near the anal opening
- A hard or tender lump near the anus
- A prolapsed hemorrhoid that extends outside the rectum
While hemorrhoids are a common cause of rectal bleeding, they are not the only cause. Conditions such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis can cause similar symptoms. Any unexplained rectal bleeding should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
When Should You See a Gastroenterologist for Hemorrhoids?
Many mild hemorrhoids respond to increased fiber intake, improved hydration, sitz baths, and over-the-counter treatments. However, there are situations when professional evaluation is important.
1. You Experience Rectal Bleeding
Blood during or after a bowel movement is often associated with hemorrhoids, but it can also indicate more serious digestive conditions, including colorectal cancer.
A gastroenterologist can determine the exact source of bleeding and recommend appropriate treatment. Early evaluation provides peace of mind and helps ensure that serious conditions are not overlooked.
2. Symptoms Last Longer Than One Week
If hemorrhoid symptoms persist despite home treatment, it’s time to schedule an appointment.
Persistent symptoms may include:
- Ongoing pain
- Itching
- Burning
- Swelling
- Discomfort during bowel movements
Your physician can recommend targeted treatments that address the underlying cause rather than simply managing symptoms.
3. Your Symptoms Are Getting Worse
Worsening pain, increased bleeding, or growing swelling should not be ignored.
Although home remedies may temporarily relieve symptoms, they may not resolve the underlying problem. A gastroenterologist can evaluate the severity of your hemorrhoids and determine whether additional treatment is needed.
4. You Notice a Prolapsed Hemorrhoid
A prolapsed hemorrhoid occurs when an internal hemorrhoid extends outside the anus. While some prolapsed hemorrhoids return inside on their own, others may continue to protrude and cause pain, irritation, or bleeding.
Medical treatment can help prevent complications and provide lasting relief.
5. You're Not Sure If It's Hemorrhoids
Not every case of rectal pain, itching, or bleeding is caused by hemorrhoids. If you’re experiencing symptoms for the first time or are uncertain about the cause, a professional evaluation can provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Hemorrhoid Treatment Options in New Jersey
At Digestive Healthcare Center, our experienced gastroenterologists specialize in diagnosing and treating hemorrhoids using advanced, minimally invasive techniques.
One of the most effective treatments for internal hemorrhoids is hemorrhoidal banding (rubber band ligation).
What Is Hemorrhoidal Banding?
Hemorrhoidal banding is a quick, in-office procedure that cuts off blood flow to the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink and fall off naturally.
Benefits of hemorrhoidal banding include:
- No sedation required
- No fasting necessary
- Minimal discomfort
- No significant downtime
- Treatment completed in less than 10 minutes
- Approximately 80–90% success rate for internal hemorrhoids
Most patients require a series of treatments to achieve optimal results. Typically, hemorrhoidal banding is performed over three office visits scheduled approximately two weeks apart, allowing multiple hemorrhoids to be treated safely and effectively.
Because hemorrhoidal banding is performed in the office, patients can typically return to normal activities the same day.
Hemwell Treatment for Hemorrhoids
Digestive Healthcare Center also offers the Hemwell procedure, an innovative, minimally invasive treatment option for internal hemorrhoids.
The Hemwell procedure uses gentle direct current therapy to reduce blood flow to hemorrhoidal tissue, allowing hemorrhoids to shrink naturally over time. The treatment is designed to address hemorrhoid symptoms while minimizing discomfort and recovery time.
Potential benefits of the Hemwell procedure include:
- Minimally invasive treatment
- No surgical incisions
- Little to no downtime
- Reduced pain compared to traditional surgical approaches
- Can be performed in an outpatient setting
The best hemorrhoid treatment varies from patient to patient based on the type, size, and severity of the hemorrhoids. During your evaluation, your gastroenterologist will discuss whether hemorrhoidal banding, the Hemwell procedure, or another treatment option is most appropriate for your condition.
Find Lasting Relief from Hemorrhoids
You don’t have to live with the discomfort of hemorrhoids. Whether you’re experiencing rectal bleeding, itching, pain, or recurring flare-ups, the specialists at Digestive Healthcare Center can help identify the cause of your symptoms and recommend the most effective treatment.
Early diagnosis and treatment can improve your comfort, prevent complications, and help rule out more serious digestive conditions. If you’d like to learn more about our services or meet with an experienced gastroenterologist, schedule an appointment at your nearest location in NJ today.
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