We all have suffered from them, but no one wants to talk about them… HEMORRHOIDS!
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins at the bottom of the rectum or anus. When healthy, these veins assist with the elimination of stool, but if they swell and stretch, protruding from the rectum, they can cause pain and itching.
Increased pressure in the lower rectum is the primary cause of hemorrhoids. This is often the result of prolonged sitting, certain exercises, poor diet, constipation, obesity, or pregnancy. Adults 45 to 65 are most likely to get hemorrhoids, but anyone can develop them.
Swollen veins inside the rectum are called internal hemorrhoids, while those that develop under the skin around the anus are called external hemorrhoids.
Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
- Rectal Bleeding: People with hemorrhoids often experience rectal Usually, the bleeding is not severe and does not cause pain, however, in some cases, blood may coat the stool during bowel movements or drip into the toilet. Although alarming, blood in the stool, due to hemorrhoids, is not a medical emergency, though anyone who notices this symptom should schedule a doctor visit.
- Itching in the anal area: Many people complain that intense itching is the worst symptom of hemorrhoids. Larger hemorrhoids are the most difficult to keep clean. Therefore, they require more immediate treatment.
- Swelling: External hemorrhoids may lead to thrombosis, which occurs when a blood clot forms in a hemorrhoid. The clot obstructs blood circulation. Consequently, extreme swelling and further growth occur. Thrombosed hemorrhoids protrude from the anus. They may take weeks to shrink, even with aggressive treatment. Surgery is sometimes necessary to remove a thrombosed hemorrhoid.
- Pain: Patients may experience extreme pain when hemorrhoid becomes thrombosed. Pain can occur during actions ranging from sitting on flat surfaces to urinating to passing stool. In some cases, people report persistent pain even when standing. Over-the-counter medications are normally enough to relieve this symptom. However, if the pain is severe, you should seek medical attention more immediately. A thrombosed hemorrhoid can be treated in an office setting.
- Discharge: Some patients report white, mucous-like discharge alongside bleeding in the case of internal hemorrhoids. This does not imply infection or other issues, though if rectal bleeding is present, a doctor visit should be scheduled.
- Painful bowel movement: The passing of stool may become painful for those with internal or external hemorrhoids. This causes pain that ranges from mild to moderate in most cases. However, severe pain can indicate a different diagnosis.
Treatment of Hemorrhoids
It is now easier than ever to stop living with the discomfort and irritation of hemorrhoids.
At Hunterdon Gastroenterology Associates, our board-certified male and female gastroenterologists use a nonsurgical, virtually pain-free treatment to make hemorrhoids disappear — with an in-office procedure that takes only 30 to 60 seconds!
Patients will benefit from:
- NO AT-HOME PREP
- NO PAIN MEDS NEEDED – BEFORE, DURING, OR AFTER
- NO HOSPITAL, SURGERY, SEDATION OR ANESTHESIA
- NO DOWN TIME – IMMEDIATE RETURN TO ACTIVITIES
- DRIVING HOME BY THEMSELVES… OR EVEN BACK TO WORK!
- COVERED BY MOST INSURANCES
This procedure represents a dramatic improvement in speed, ease, comfort, and overall patient experience in the relief of hemorrhoids. Specially trained and highly experienced in this procedure, our doctors treat our patients in the privacy, comfort, and convenience of our offices in Flemington and Somerville.
Call today to speak to our staff about how this fast, easy, pain-free, and minimally invasive procedure can lead to a hemorrhoid-free life.
Don’t suffer needlessly with the misery of hemorrhoids.
Call Hunterdon Gastroenterology Associates Today 908-483-4000
