Hemorrhoids Specialist

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen, protruding veins on your anus or inside the anal canal. They can be very uncomfortable and cause symptoms such as:

• Pain
• Itching
• Bleeding
• Burning

Internal hemorrhoids are less likely to be painful, and you might not realize you have them at first. They can sometimes rupture and start to bleed if you pass a hard stool. They might also drop down from your anal canal. This is a more serious problem, as the circulation in the veins could get cut off.

External hemorrhoids are often extremely painful. This is because there are so many more nerve endings in your anus than inside in the anal canal. External hemorrhoids can sometimes develop blood clots. The clots turn the hemorrhoids into hard, painful lumps called thrombosed hemorrhoids. 

What causes hemorrhoids?

The primary cause of hemorrhoids is straining too hard or too often during bowel movements. If you have frequent problems with constipation that make you strain, hemorrhoids are likely to develop.

Constipation is typically due to a lack of fiber in the diet, not enough exercise, and not drinking enough water. You can combat constipation by eating healthy, fiber-rich foods, getting more exercise, and drinking more water.

Other factors that increase your chances of developing hemorrhoids include:

• Aging
• Family history
• Using laxatives
• Frequent bouts of diarrhea
• Pregnancy

Sitting on the toilet is bad for your anus, as modern toilet design makes you more likely to strain. Sitting for too long also puts extra pressure on the veins in your anal canal, so don’t stay on the toilet any longer than necessary.

How are hemorrhoids treated?

Hemorrhoids often heal on their own, especially if you take steps to reduce the risk factors that cause them. They can return if you fall back into bad habits or have problems with your bowels. Having hemorrhoids once can also weaken the veins and make them more likely to return.

If you need treatment for your hemorrhoids, your provider at Gastroenterology Associates of Beverly Hills can prescribe medicated creams or pads and suppositories to ease the itching and pain. If your hemorrhoids are severe or won’t go away, the team provides a range of effective ways to remove or destroy them, such as:

• External hemorrhoid thrombectomy 
• Rubber band ligation 
• Sclerotherapy
• Infrared, laser, or bipolar coagulation 
• Hemorrhoidectomy
• Stapled hemorrhoidectomy 

Your provider at Gastroenterology Associates of Beverly Hills can discuss which treatment is right for you at your consultation.

If you notice blood when you wipe after a bowel movement, or you have anal discomfort, the team at Gastroenterology Associates of Beverly Hills can help. Call them today or book an appointment online.