Free 3-DAY Shipping!*

Effective Internal Hemorrhoid Treatment Options

Hemorrhoid.com By Hemorrhoid.com | July 18, 2024

A study during colorectal cancer screenings found that 39% of patients had hemorrhoids1. This shows how common hemorrhoids are and why it’s vital to know how to treat them. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, the right treatment can really help.

Doctors diagnose internal hemorrhoids by examining the area or using tools like anoscopy2. If you’re at risk for colorectal cancer, they might also do a colonoscopy2. It’s important to get the correct diagnosis so you can get the right treatment quickly.

For mild symptoms, you can try natural remedies like a high-fiber diet, creams, and warm baths2. For tough cases, you might need surgery to get better. Mayo Clinic suggests treatments should be customized for each person.

Key Takeaways

Understanding Internal Hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids are a health issue that many people face. They are different from external ones as they are inside the anal canal, above a specific line. Because of where they are, they usually don’t hurt. But, they can lead to swelling and inflammation in the area.

What are Internal Hemorrhoids?

These are swollen veins found inside the rectum. They’re often not visible. They occur when the veins in the lower part of the rectum swell up. This can lead to symptoms like bleeding without pain, itching, and discomfort. Sometimes, they might stick out of the anus, causing a lot of pain and irritation.

Causes of Internal Hemorrhoids

Various things can cause these hemorrhoids:

If you don’t treat internal hemorrhoids, they can lead to more issues. Untreated ones might protrude outside the anus or form blood clots. These can make discomfort worse. Too much bleeding can lead to anemia. Non-healing sores from external hemorrhoids might get infected3.

By changing your lifestyle, like eating more fiber and drinking plenty of water, you can manage symptoms. Over-the-counter options are available too. Getting enough fiber every day makes your stools softer. This lowers the chance of getting hemorrhoids3.

Hemorrhoid Home Remedies

When dealing with bleeding hemorrhoids, finding effective home remedies can bring significant relief. Taking steps at home can manage symptoms. This might even prevent the need for medical treatments.

High-Fiber Diet

A high-fiber diet is key in managing hemorrhoids. Eating 20-35 grams of fiber daily makes stool softer. This can prevent constipation and reduce pressure on hemorrhoids5. Foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are great choices.

Hydration

Staying well-hydrated is very important in caring for hemorrhoids. Drinking lots of water each day keeps stools soft5. Including prune juice in your diet can help too. It works as a natural laxative for smoother bowel movements5.

Topical Treatments

Putting on hemorrhoid cream up to four times daily helps ease symptoms5. Over-the-counter creams with lidocaine or witch hazel soothe without side effects5. A 2020 study found that a mix of micronized purified flavonoid fraction and witch hazel ointment helped reduce pain, itching, and swelling6.

Warm Baths

Warm baths, or sitz baths, effectively treat hemorrhoid symptoms. Soaking the affected area in warm water for about 15 minutes several times a day offers relief.

This practice can ease pain, swelling, and discomfort. Studies back up using warm baths and other remedies like ice packs and over-the-counter meds for relief6.

Remedy Benefit
High-Fiber Diet Softens stool, prevents constipation
Hydration Keeps stools soft, easier bowel movements
Topical Treatments Soothes pain and itch, reduces swelling
Warm Baths Relieves pain and swelling

Minimally Invasive Internal Hemorrhoid Treatment

Minimally invasive treatments for internal hemorrhoids work well, causing little pain and needing only a short time to recover. These methods are great for those who prefer not to have full hemorrhoid surgery. They’re also good for people using Revivol-XR to manage symptoms.

Rubber Band Ligation

Rubber band ligation is a widely used treatment for internal hemorrhoids. In this method, a small band is placed around the hemorrhoid’s base. This stops its blood supply, making it fall off in about a week. Getting this treatment done in the office usually needs several visits to fully relieve symptoms. It offers a low risk of bleeding or infection7.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy treats hemorrhoids by injecting a solution that makes them shrink. A study in 2022 showed it’s effective against hemorrhoidal disease8. It’s safer and has fewer risks than traditional surgery. That’s why it’s a top choice for those taking medication like Revivol-XR.

Coagulation Techniques

Coagulation techniques use laser or infrared light to make hemorrhoids harden and shrink. Laser hemorrhoidoplasty, for example, lowers the chance of heavy bleeding. It also causes less pain afterwards and helps you recover quicker9. These advantages are perfect for those who want to quickly get back to their everyday life.

Research says minimally invasive methods like transanal ligation and infrared coagulation have lots of benefits. They cause little or no pain, allow for a quicker recovery, and get you back to work sooner than more invasive surgeries7. Following a diet rich in fiber, staying hydrated, and keeping good bowel habits are recommended. These steps help lower the chance of the hemorrhoids coming back9.

For more insights on the latest treatments for internal hemorrhoids, including sclerotherapy, check out this study on sclerotherapy in hemorrhoids8. Discover the benefits of laser hemorrhoidoplasty9 too. Also, see what experts at this colorectal surgeon’s website7 say about these techniques.

Surgical Options for Severe Hemorrhoids

For those with severe or returning hemorrhoids, surgery may be the top choice for treatment. There are different surgeries based on how serious and often the hemorrhoids come back.

Hemorrhoidectomy

A hemorrhoidectomy takes out extra hemorrhoid tissue. This offers a lasting fix compared to other options. Recovery usually lasts from 2 to 6 weeks10. Still, it could lead to bleeding, infection, or trouble controlling bowel movements because of possible anal sphincter damage10. Even though it works well, about 3 in 100 people might see their hemorrhoids return within a year11.

Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy

Stapled hemorrhoidopexy, also called PPH, puts the hemorrhoids back in place and staples them. This means less pain and a quicker recovery than the traditional surgery10. But, it has a higher chance of hemorrhoids coming back, with 9 out of 100 people seeing this issue within a year11. Also, some might face rectal prolapse.

Thinking about hemorrhoid surgery? It’s important to look at both hemorrhoidectomy and stapled hemorrhoidopexy. Talk with doctors to find the best surgery for you. For more, visit this link for surgery details and recovery info.

To learn more, check this guide for insights on surgery outcomes. Also, Cleveland Clinic’s full guide gives lots of details on treating hemorrhoids.

Conclusion

Many people deal with internal hemorrhoids, a common but unpleasant issue. About 27.9% of adults battle with them, studies find12. For those with milder symptoms, simple home treatments can make a big difference. These include eating more fiber, staying hydrated, and using creams13. Eating fiber-rich foods alone can cut symptoms by almost 74%, research reveals14.

If hemorrhoids keep causing trouble, less intense medical procedures are available. Rubber band ligation works well for most, with an 85% success rate1213. Another good choice is stapled hemorrhoidopexy, which hurts less afterwards and works 88% of the time1213.

When nothing else helps, surgery might be the next step. Though more painful after, cutting out hemorrhoids lowers the chance they’ll come back13. Always talk to a doctor to pick the best treatment. For more advice, check out Hemorrhoid.com. Following these tips can help control and ease hemorrhoid symptoms.

FAQ

What are the most effective internal hemorrhoid treatment options?

Effective treatments for internal hemorrhoids include eating more fiber and taking warm baths. You can also use over-the-counter creams. For worse cases, methods like rubber band ligation or even surgery might be needed.

How can I get relief from hemorrhoids at home?

To ease hemorrhoid pain at home, eat lots of fiber and drink plenty of water. Applying witch hazel or hydrocortisone cream helps too. And don’t forget about taking warm baths for comfort.

What causes internal hemorrhoids?

Internal hemorrhoids happen when there’s too much pressure on veins in the bum. This can come from being constipated, overweight, pregnant, or sitting too much. These situations cause the veins to swell.

How are piles different from prolapsed or thrombosed hemorrhoids?

“Piles” just means hemorrhoids. Prolapsed ones stick out but can be pushed back in. Thrombosed hemorrhoids are painful, swollen, and have blood clots.

What are the recommended hemorrhoid creams for bleeding hemorrhoids?

Creams with hydrocortisone, witch hazel, or lidocaine are best for bleeding hemorrhoids. They ease the itch, pain, and swelling.

What is rubber band ligation and how does it treat hemorrhoids?

Rubber band ligation is a simple process. It puts a tiny rubber band on the hemorrhoid, stopping its blood supply. The hemorrhoid dries up and falls off in about a week.

When should surgical options be considered for hemorrhoids?

If hemorrhoids are really bad or keep coming back, surgery might be necessary. Options like a hemorrhoidectomy offer a more lasting solution.

Are natural hemorrhoid treatments effective?

Yes, eating more fiber, drinking lots of water, and warm sitz baths help with hemorrhoid symptoms. But it’s wise to talk to a doctor for advice tailored to you.

What is the recovery time after hemorrhoid surgery?

Recovery from hemorrhoid surgery can take 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the surgery type and the patient. It’s crucial to follow your doctor’s after-care advice.

Source Links

  1. Hemorrhoids: Diagnosis and Treatment Options – https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2018/0201/p172.html
  2. Hemorrhoids – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic – https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20360280
  3. Hemorrhoids – https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-hemorrhoids-basics
  4. How To Treat Hemorrhoids – https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-hemorrhoids-treatment-medref
  5. Home Treatment and Remedies for Hemorrhoid Relief – https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/hemorrrhoid-home-care
  6. Home treatment and remedies for hemorrhoid relief – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317114
  7. Minimally Invasive Procedures for Hemorrhoids – Maher A. Abbas, MD | UAE – https://drmaherabbas.com/procedures-3/minimally-invasive-procedures-for-hemorrhoids/
  8. Minimally Invasive Treatment for Advanced Hemorrhoids – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9876604/
  9. Laser hemorrhoidoplasty: A minimally invasive approach for the hemorrhoids | Bangkok Hospital – https://www.bangkokhospital.com/en/content/hemorrhoids-treated-by-laser
  10. Types of Surgeries To Treat Hemorrhoids – https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/surgery-treat-hemorrhoids
  11. Enlarged hemorrhoids: Learn More – What surgical procedures can be used to treat hemorrhoids? – InformedHealth.org – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279465/
  12. Review of Hemorrhoid Disease: Presentation and Management – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4755769/
  13. Hemorrhoids – https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2011/0715/p204.html
  14. Treatment of hemorrhoids: A coloproctologist’s view – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4541377/