When it comes to hemorrhoids treatment, there are a number of options that are available. Usually, the type of treatment that a hemorrhoid requires depends on the symptoms, as well as the type of hemorrhoid it is. Below are some common methods for the treatment of hemorrhoids.

Prolapsed, Internal, and External Hemorrhoids: What You Need to Know

Hemorrhoids treatment methods

It’s normal for people to have hemorrhoids and not notice them at all. In fact, not all hemorrhoids can cause pain or discomfort; sometimes the only symptom a person experiences is bleeding when they pass stool.

Hemorrhoids can also sometimes go away on their own, without needing any treatment plan.

However, there are situations where hemorrhoids can get worse, particularly in people who suffer from chronic constipation. If left untreated, these types of hemorrhoids can cause severe pain and discomfort in patients.

Here are some forms of hemorrhoids treatment that a person can undergo:

Change in diet

The most straightforward hemorrhoids treatment is a change in your diet. One reason why some people have hemorrhoids is because they strain too hard whenever they pass stool.

This usually happens in people who have chronic constipation. And the best way to prevent constipation would be to have a change in your diet.

It is recommended for people who are constipated to eat foods that are rich in fiber. Fiber is important in regulating our bowel movements, so eating more fiber can help prevent constipation and make passing stool easier as it softens your stools.

Foods that are rich in fiber include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. It would also be best to avoid eating too much meat since it is high in fat and low in fiber. Drinking a lot of water would also help soften stool and lower the chances that a person would be constipated.

Using creams or suppositories

If a change in diet is not enough to deal with hemorrhoids, there are over-the-counter creams available. These creams are designed to reduce pain, swelling, and itchiness in persons who have hemorrhoids. However, one limitation to these creams is that they’re useful for external hemorrhoids only.

For internal hemorrhoids, suppositories can help with relieving some of the symptoms. A suppository is a type of medication, usually in a round or bullet shape, that is inserted into the anus. Suppositories can help with relieving swelling, pain, and discomfort in people with internal hemorrhoids.

However, over-the-counter medication is usually ideal for mild symptoms. For people with severe hemorrhoid pain, other forms of treatment might be required.

Rubber band ligation

Rubber band ligation is a form of treatment wherein very small rubber bands are used to tie off the hemorrhoids. This is usually done on smaller internal hemorrhoids.

The rubber bands used essentially cut off blood supply to the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink and fall off within a few days. The band and the hemorrhoid are usually passed along with your stool.

For larger hemorrhoids, the procedure might need to be repeated, to make sure that all of the hemorrhoids are dealt with. One advantage of this method over surgery is that patients recover from it quicker and also experience less pain.

Hemorrhoidectomy

Hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure wherein the excess hemorrhoidal tissues are removed. This is usually recommended if you continue to develop symptoms from hemorrhoids despite changes in diet, sitz baths or after rubber band ligation. After the surgery, patients usually feel pain in their anus.

It’s possible for sitting and passing stool to also be painful. This is why painkillers are usually prescribed after undergoing this surgery.

It is best to consult your physician to figure out if you need to undergo surgery for your hemorrhoidal disease.

Learn more about Digestive Health here.