You’re not alone! 50% of the population will suffer from symptomatic hemorrhoids by age 50.
There are more than three million hemorrhoid cases per year in the United States. Luckily hemorrhoids are treatable by a medical professional and require no lab testing because they are usually self-diagnosable. Unfortunately they are chronic and can last for years or be lifelong. A common symptom is discomfort, specifically during bowel movements or when sitting. Other common hemorrhoid symptoms include itching, bleeding, pain, swelling and soiling.
Hemorrhoids are usually caused from:
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Standing or sitting for a long time
- Straining during bowel movements
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Vomiting
- Holding your breath during physically hard activity
There are two kinds of hemorrhoids:
Internal hemorrhoids: occur in the lower rectum and they are typically painless.
External hemorrhoids: are uncomfortable because the overlying skin becomes irritated and erodes. If a blood clot forms inside an external hemorrhoid, pain can be quick and severe. You might feel or see a lump around the anus. The clot usually dissolves, leaving excess skin (a skin tag), which may itch or become irritated.
For many, ointments and creams will only mask symptoms to provide temporary relief. They do not address the root of the problem that is causing the pain, itching, bleeding, and overall discomfort. A high-fiber diet with over-the-counter medications, such as stool softeners, can be helpful. In some cases, a medical procedure, such as a hemorrhoidectomy or Hemorrhoid banding, to remove the hemorrhoid may be needed.
Benefits of the CRH O’Regan Hemorrhoid Banding System:
- Fast (takes about one minute)
- Painless
- Effective
- Proven (over one million procedures performed)
- No prep or sedation required
- Return to work the same day
If you have any anal bleeding and/or pain, you should make an appointment with one of our board-certified physicians to make sure it’s not a more serious condition.