Hemorrhoids

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are bulging blood vessels found around your anus and lower part of your rectum. Hemorrhoids can be internal or external and everyone has them.

Internal hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids form inside the anus underneath the tissue. Your internal hemorrhoids might not cause pain, but they can bleed or prolapse (fall out) during a bowel movement. If your internal hemorrhoid fully prolapses (doesn’t retract after your bowel movement), you could experience severe pain.

External hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids develop on the sensitive skin outside your anus. Your external hemorrhoids might not cause any discomfort unless they thrombose (form a blood clot), which can cause significant pain.

Hemorrhoids are a common condition that develops due to excess pressure on the rectal veins. Your risk of developing hemorrhoids increases as you get older. Hemorrhoids can also occur during pregnancy or in individuals who strain during bowel movements.

When should I seek medical care for hemorrhoids?

You might be able to care for your hemorrhoids at home. But if your hemorrhoids aren’t improving or you have rectal bleeding, you should schedule an appointment at Colon and Rectal Surgeons of Greater Hartford for an evaluation.

Though your hemorrhoids are most likely responsible for your rectal bleeding, you should never ignore this symptom. Rectal bleeding is also a symptom of colon or rectal cancer.

How are hemorrhoids treated?

The team at Colon and Rectal Surgeons of Greater Hartford develops individualized treatment plans for hemorrhoids based on where your hemorrhoids are and the kinds of symptoms you’re having. If your hemorrhoids are mild, the team could suggest at-home care with over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams, sitz baths, and a high-fiber diet.

However, if your hemorrhoid symptoms are severe, the team could suggest surgery. For internal hemorrhoids that protrude during bowel movements, the team offers in-office rubber band ligation. During this procedure, the team places a rubber band around your hemorrhoid to stop blood flow. Your hemorrhoid then clots and falls off within two days.

The advanced colon and rectal surgery practice also offers transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD). During this outpatient procedure, the surgical experts suture the blood vessel feeding your hemorrhoids to decrease blood flow. The team at Colon and Rectal Surgeons of Greater Hartford may recommend THD because it helps you get back to your usual activities faster.

To schedule an appointment at Colon and Rectal Surgeons of Greater Hartford to discuss hemorrhoid treatments, call the office or book online today.