Here’s When to Seek Treatment for Hemorrhoids

Here at the Texas Hemorrhoid Institute, we treat stage 2 and 3 internal hemorrhoids using a minimally invasive procedure called Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE). But how can you know when to seek treatment for hemorrhoids? And why do you get these uncomfortable bulging rectal veins in the first place? Keep reading to find out.

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are inflamed, bulging veins that form inside your rectum or around your anal opening. Ranging in severity from mild to severe, they can cause a variety of symptoms including itching and bleeding.

What causes hemorrhoids to form?

Hemorrhoids may form if you follow a low-fiber diet, strain to pass bowel movements, sit for too long (especially on the toilet), are pregnant, are obese, or lift heavy objects using an incorrect form.
Hemorrhoids can be internal (forming inside your rectum) or external, forming under the skin surrounding your anus. Often, external hemorrhoids cause more pain, but internal hemorrhoids may cause more worrying symptoms, including bleeding when passing a bowel movement.

When to seek treatment for hemorrhoids

When your hemorrhoids cause mild symptoms, you may be able to manage your condition with lifestyle changes. Suggestions including increasing your fiber and water intake, or using over-the-counter stool softeners and hemorrhoid creams.

However, if your condition is making you bleed before, during or after you pass a bowel movement, that’s when to seek treatment for hemorrhoids. You should also seek intervention if your symptoms persist for longer than a week, or if symptoms are worsening.

Also, if you notice a bulge in or around your rectal area, that could be a prolapsed hemorrhoid that’s fallen out of your anus. If you can’t easily push it back inside the anus, you should seek treatment for hemorrhoids. Finally, if any of your symptoms are causing you distress or ongoing discomfort, we encourage you to click here to request an appointmentclick here to request an appointmentclick here to request an appointment with our hemorrhoid experts in Texas. In the office, we can review when to seek treatment for hemorrhoids, and determine if you’re a good candidate for HAE.