Hemorrhoids are a common condition that may resolve on its own with at-home care. However, when you have chronic hemorrhoids that cause pain or bleeding, board-certified gastroenterologist Sandra Rodriguez, MD, at DLW Gastro Clinic in Homestead, Florida, can help. The gastroenterology practice offers treatment options for hemorrhoids, including the nonsurgical CRH O'Regan System® for hemorrhoid removal. For help with your hemorrhoids, call the office today or use the online booking button.
Hemorrhoids develop when the veins in your anus or lower rectum bulge out. Everyone has veins in this part of their lower gastrointestinal tract.
Though researchers are still investigating what causes people to develop hemorrhoids, they theorize the bulging occurs from too much pressure on the veins. The pressure may occur from straining during a bowel movement or spending too much time sitting on the toilet.
Your risk of developing hemorrhoids increases as you get older. By age 50, about 50% of adults have noticeable hemorrhoids.
There are two main types of hemorrhoids: internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids.
Internal hemorrhoids are bulging veins in the lower part of the rectum. These hemorrhoids usually don’t cause pain but may bleed during a bowel movement.
Sometimes internal hemorrhoids prolapse (fall out of the rectum), which may cause pain.
External hemorrhoids affect the sensitive anal tissue. You may have burning or itching with these hemorrhoids.
External hemorrhoids may also form a blood clot or thrombosed hemorrhoid, which can cause severe anal pain.
You need to see the board-certified gastroenterologist at DLW Gastro Clinic if you have painful or bleeding hemorrhoids that fail to improve with at-home care.
In most cases, hemorrhoids resolve independently with lifestyle changes like eating a high-fiber diet and limiting time spent sitting on the toilet. However, if you continue to have discomfort from your hemorrhoids after a week of at-home care, it’s time to reach out for help.
During your visit to DLW Gastro Clinic, the gastroenterologist reviews your symptoms and medical history. Then, they examine your anorectal area to evaluate the hemorrhoids.
If you haven’t already tried lifestyle changes, the gastroenterologist may recommend making changes to your diet and toilet habits, as well as soaking your bottom for 10 minutes in warm water several times a day to improve your hemorrhoids.
When at-home care fails to alleviate your hemorrhoids, the gastroenterologist may recommend CRH O’Regan System for hemorrhoid banding. This nonsurgical system uses a suction tool to apply a rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid.
The banding cuts off blood supply to the hemorrhoid, causing it to clot and fall off over time.
For help with your hemorrhoids, call DLW Gastro Clinic or schedule an appointment online today.