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Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins near your anus at the end of your rectum. Anyone can get hemorrhoids, and about half of all Americans experience them during their lives.
Two things are almost always true when it comes to hemorrhoids: They’re uncomfortable and they’re embarrassing. But if you notice discomfort or itching, you shouldn’t let embarrassment keep you from seeking treatment.
Hemorrhoid treatment can effectively relieve pain and discomfort. Plus, many methods don’t require incisions. Elvira Klause, MD, FACS, specializes in hemorrhoid treatment at her office in San Clemente, California.
There are two types of hemorrhoids, and the difference between them is where they form. Internal hemorrhoids are swollen veins inside your rectum, while external hemorrhoids are under the skin around your anus.
Internal hemorrhoids might not cause pain, and you won’t be able to feel them. If you have an internal hemorrhoid, you might experience painless bleeding during or after bowel movements. Straining or irritation as you pass stool may increase the likelihood of seeing blood.
Sometimes, internal hemorrhoids can push through your anal opening. This is called a prolapsed hemorrhoid, and it can be painful.
External hemorrhoids are more likely to cause pain and other noticeable symptoms. Signs of an external hemorrhoid can include:
A thrombosed hemorrhoid could develop if blood collects in an external hemorrhoid. Thrombosed hemorrhoids are more painful and can be difficult to ignore.
If you notice any symptoms of hemorrhoids, don’t ignore them. Schedule an appointment for an evaluation. Dr. Klause can diagnose your condition and rule out the possibility of more severe conditions, such as colorectal cancer.
Mild hemorrhoids may be treated with at-home care. Sitz baths and topical hemorrhoid creams can shrink enlarged veins and relieve other symptoms. Drinking plenty of water and eating high-fiber foods can make stools easier to pass and prevent hemorrhoids in the future.
If you’re still bothered by uncomfortable hemorrhoids after a week of at-home treatments, you might need in-office care. Dr. Klause treats many patients with incision-free procedures like rubber band ligation and sclerotherapy.
Both rubber band ligation and sclerotherapy are effective hemorrhoid procedures that target enlarged veins and cut off blood flow. Once the procedure is done, the hemorrhoid shrinks and your symptoms subside.
For people with more severe hemorrhoids or difficult-to-reach internal hemorrhoids, minimally invasive surgery could offer relief. Dr. Klause specializes in transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD) to detect and restrict damaged veins to treat hemorrhoids.
Don’t let embarrassment prevent you from finding hemorrhoid relief. Book an appointment with Dr. Klause to learn more about your hemorrhoid treatment options. Request your appointment online or call our office at 949-393-2595.
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