Free 3-DAY Shipping!*

Understanding Hemorrhoid Treatment NHS Options

Hemorrhoid.com By Hemorrhoid.com | August 4, 2024

Did you know surgery for big piles takes about 30 minutes under sleep medication1? It sounds simple, right? Yet, the NHS offers many treatments suited to what patients need. From easier methods like Rubber Band Ligation to operations like Stapled Haemorrhoidectomy, they have it all2. The NHS even changed how often they do surgeries, moving many to clinics for better care2. This shows their commitment to personalized, safe treatment.

Finding out about NHS ways to handle hemorrhoids helps you pick the right care. There are many choices from handling it yourself to getting medical help. This means patients can feel more in charge of their situation.

Key Takeaways

What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are common but often not talked about much. They occur as enlarged blood vessels in the lower rectal and anal areas. They might not cause symptoms or could lead to bleeding after a bowel movement, itchy anus, discharge, soreness, and swelling3

There are internal hemorrhoids inside the rectum and external ones around the anus3. Their symptoms and causes depend on their type and location.

Many things can lead to hemorrhoids, like constipation, being overweight, heavy lifting, anal sex, being pregnant, and straining during childbirth34. These actions increase pressure in the lower rectum, making blood vessels swell5.

Identifying Hemorrhoids: When to Seek Treatment

Knowing when you have hemorrhoids helps in managing them better, making you more comfortable. A lot of people get hemorrhoids at some point, due to many different risk factors. It’s important to know the symptoms and when it’s time to get medical help.

Symptoms to Watch For

Hemorrhoids have various symptoms, depending on their type and how severe they are. Internal hemorrhoids are usually painless but may cause bleeding6. External hemorrhoids, which are closer to the surface, can itch, irritate, and sometimes hurt7. Look out for these common signs:

Sometimes, symptoms can get really bad, showing you have advanced hemorrhoids. Grade 3 hemorrhoids fall out when you strain but can be pushed back in8. Grade 4 hemorrhoids are worse, always falling out, with lots of bleeding, mucus, and pain8.

When to Visit Your GP

If your symptoms don’t get better with home treatment, see your GP. You should get medical help for bleeding, a lot of pain, or if you feel sick8. If it’s hard to handle your symptoms, like if you’re always bleeding or in a lot of pain, a doctor should check you out.

Your doctor might do an exam to see how bad your hemorrhoids are and talk about treatment6. The NHS offers many treatments, from simple to surgical ones. Your doctor can help you decide the best one, and they’ll tell you about the costs.

If you’re looking for more help or info on hemorrhoids, websites like Hemorrhoid.com and products like Revivol-XR can be useful.

Self-Care and Over-the-Counter Treatments

Begin managing hemorrhoids by changing your lifestyle. Add more fiber to your meals and drink a lot of water. Regular exercise also helps in preventing constipation, which is big when it comes to causing hemorrhoids910. Don’t push too hard when you’re using the bathroom. This can make hemorrhoids more likely, especially for those who often get constipated or lift heavy things9.

Being constipated and straining too much are common reasons people 45 to 65 get hemorrhoids11.

Lifestyle Changes

Making small changes to your diet and self-care can cut down on hemorrhoid flare-ups. If you’re dealing with constipation, eating more fiber can make going to the bathroom easier10. There are also over-the-counter creams and ointments to help with itching and pain, giving you quick relief10. Your local pharmacist can help pick out the best products like creams, ointments, and suppositories. These are good for short-term help only11.

Over-the-Counter Options

If you need quick relief, over-the-counter treatments can be an effective choice. *Revivol-XR* is one product that reduces swelling and makes stool passage smoother. At *Hemorrhoid.com*, you can find various products designed to ease your symptoms. Over-the-counter remedies mainly focus on reducing pain and discomfort. Your pharmacist can help you find the right one for your needs11.

With these lifestyle tweaks and over-the-counter treatments, you can manage hemorrhoid discomfort well. In the UK, you can easily find many options at local pharmacies. Eating right, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding too much strain are key to feeling better and avoiding more hemorrhoids91011.

Non-Surgical Hemorrhoid Treatment NHS Options

The NHS provides various non-surgical treatment options for hemorrhoids. They are effective and minimally invasive. These procedures are typically done under local anesthesia, allowing patients to go home the same day.

Rubber Band Ligation

One common method is rubber band ligation. A tight band is placed around the hemorrhoid’s base. This cuts off its blood supply, making it shrink and fall off. It works well for first to third-degree hemorrhoids. It reduces symptoms without needing more invasive surgery1213. It’s a popular choice due to its effectiveness and short recovery period12.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is another non-surgical option from the NHS. This involves injecting a solution into the hemorrhoid to shrink it. It’s best for smaller, less severe hemorrhoids. The procedure is quick, and patients can quickly get back to their normal activities12. Rubber band ligation and sclerotherapy are recommended by NHS for their benefits and lower risks than surgery13.

For more information, check out the non-surgical hemorrhoid treatment NHS page.

These methods are great for managing hemorrhoid symptoms. They focus on treatment for grades 1, 2, and 3 hemorrhoids following NHS guidelines. This ensures patients get the care they need without surgery13. These advancements help about 8 million UK residents suffering from hemorrhoids1213.

Surgical Hemorrhoid Treatments Covered by the NHS

When other treatments don’t work, the NHS offers surgeries for severe hemorrhoids. These operations are a last resort, for when nothing else helps. They aim to give long-term relief.

Hemorrhoidectomy

A hemorrhoidectomy removes hemorrhoids surgically and is covered by the NHS. It’s done under general anesthesia. This is for large or very painful hemorrhoids that other methods can’t help.

After surgery, peeing might be hard, needing a catheter for a few days14. About 10 days later, some patients see bright red blood when the surgical thread comes off14. Most people can go back to desk jobs in 2 weeks, but manual work may need 4 weeks before returning14. Hemorrhoids rarely come back after this surgery14.

However, this operation can lead to complications like pain and bleeding for up to 14 days15. Patients need someone with them for the first 24 to 48 hours post-surgery because of the anesthesia effects14.

Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy

Stapled hemorrhoidopexy is another surgery the NHS offers. It involves repositioning and stapling hemorrhoids back in place. It’s generally for advanced cases and requires staying in the hospital. Only certain patients meet the criteria for this surgery16. This method aims at less pain and faster recovery16.

But, there can be complications like infection or inflammation. In rare cases, it might cause anal narrowing (stenosis)15. The risk is higher for those overweight or who smoke15.

Both these surgeries provide a solution for tough hemorrhoid cases. The NHS makes sure patients get the right treatment and support they need.

Costs and Availability of Hemorrhoid Treatments

Getting to know the costs and how to get treatments helps decide on hemorrhoid care. Price plays a big role when planning for medical help. The NHS gives different options for hemorrhoid treatments, each with its own cost and ways to get them.

The NHS believes in picking treatments that give the best value for money. Because of this, they’ve made steps to make care easy to get, without wasting resources. For example, the price for the first visit for eXroid treatment is £1,195. This price includes a consultation fee of £32017. If you need to go back, it will cost you £79517.

The NHS also offers a banding treatment with no cost for those who qualify. This method works well for about 80% of patients18. But, 20% might see their symptoms come back18. Meanwhile, places like the Practice Plus Group charge around £2,949 for treatment19. They are known for their high-quality service, as seen by the CQC19.

If you’re looking for different options, the NHS suggests talking to local Clinical Care Groups (CCGs) for more info on low-cost treatments18. The guidelines, updated in 2019, point people to less painful treatments. This helps lower the cost of treating hemorrhoids across the NHS17. Also, costs might vary for those with private insurance, depending on what’s agreed upon with their provider17.

Websites like Hemorrhoid.com advise looking at all possible options. This includes NHS treatments and private options like Revivol-XR. They also highlight finance plans from eXroid, offering 0% interest. This allows patients to manage payments from £90 a month17. Making treatment more affordable, no matter your budget.

Treatment Provider NHS Practice Plus Group eXroid
Consultation Fee No Fee Included £320
Initial Treatment Cost Covered £2,949 £1,195
Follow-Up Cost Covered Varies £795
Finance Options Not Applicable Available 0% Interest

Conclusion

The National Health Service (NHS) has a wide range of treatments for hemorrhoids. This ensures patients get the best care for their situation. The NHS uses self-care advice, store-bought remedies, and both non-surgical and surgical options, depending on the condition’s severity.

Hemorrhoids are quite common, affecting a significant portion of the world’s population. Between 2.9% and 27.9% of people worldwide deal with them, and over 4% have symptoms20. They are most common in adults aged 45 to 65, with men being more likely to suffer than women20. Treatments like rubber band ligation (RBL) work well for many, showing success rates from 69% to 94%20. It also has a low risk of complications. On the other hand, excisional hemorrhoidectomy (EH) is more thorough but can cause more pain and complications after the surgery20.

When it comes to costs, the NHS offers treatments that are affordable. For a lesser invasive procedure like eXroid, the cost is around £745 per session. Approximately half of the patients need just one session21. But it’s important to understand all costs, including those for surgery, to make informed choices21. In the end, talking to a healthcare provider to get the right diagnosis and treatment plan is key for relieving hemorrhoid discomfort effectively.

FAQ

What are common symptoms of hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids can cause bright red blood after you go to the bathroom. You might also feel itchiness, have a mucus discharge, or experience soreness and swelling. Whether the hemorrhoids are internal or external affects the symptoms you might have.

What lifestyle changes can help with hemorrhoid relief?

Eating more fiber and drinking lots of water helps with hemorrhoids. Regular exercise and not straining when going to the bathroom can also reduce symptoms. It’s important to go when you feel the need, to avoid making things worse.

When should I see my GP about hemorrhoids?

If you’re in a lot of pain, bleed a lot, have a fever, or if home treatments don’t help after a week, see your GP. They can offer stronger treatments and check for other problems.

What are the NHS guidelines for hemorrhoid treatment?

The NHS suggests treatments based on how severe your hemorrhoids are. Options include self-care, over-the-counter treatments, non-surgical and surgical methods. These might be rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, hemorrhoidectomy, and stapled hemorrhoidopexy.

What over-the-counter treatments are available for hemorrhoid care?

Pharmacies sell creams, ointments, and suppositories for hemorrhoids without a prescription. These products can ease pain, reduce inflammation, and make bowel movements easier.

What non-surgical hemorrhoid treatments does the NHS provide?

The NHS does rubber band ligation, putting a band around the hemorrhoid to stop blood flow. They also offer sclerotherapy, injecting a substance to shrink the hemorrhoid. Both treatments use a local anesthetic.

What surgical options are covered by the NHS for hemorrhoid treatment?

For serious cases, the NHS offers surgery. This includes removing hemorrhoids or stapling them back in place. These surgeries generally require staying in the hospital.

What is the cost of hemorrhoid treatments through the NHS?

The cost for treating hemorrhoids varies. Some treatments might be free, but it depends on the procedure and your local CCG. Check your local CCG’s website or call them for specific prices.

How do I identify hemorrhoids and know if I need treatment?

To identify hemorrhoids, watch for ongoing bleeding after using the bathroom, lumps around the anus, or discomfort. If symptoms get worse or don’t improve with home care, get a professional diagnosis and treatment plan.

Source Links

  1. Piles (haemorrhoids) – Surgery – https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/health-information/piles-haemorrhoids/surgery
  2. NHS hemorrhoid treatment, Piles treatment without surgery, hemorrhoids removal NHS – https://www.theprivateclinic.co.uk/blog/piles-haemorrhoid-treatment-on-the-nhs/
  3. Does Pushing a Hemorrhoid Back in Help? – https://www.medicinenet.com/does_pushing_a_hemorrhoid_back_in_help/article.htm
  4. Haemorrhoids (piles): Symptoms and causes | Bupa UK – https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/digestive-gut-health/haemorrhoids
  5. Hemorrhoid Symptoms & Treatment | Aurora Health Care – https://www.aurorahealthcare.org/services/gastroenterology-colorectal-surgery/hemorrhoid-treatment
  6. Piles – https://patient.info/digestive-health/rectal-bleeding-blood-in-faeces/piles-haemorrhoids
  7. External hemorrhoids: Treatment, pictures, symptoms, and causes – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322732
  8. PDF – https://www.uhd.nhs.uk/uploads/about/docs/our_publications/patient_information_leaflets/gastro/116-23_haemorrhoids.pdf
  9. Piles (haemorrhoids) – https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/haemorrhoids-piles/
  10. Haemorrhoids Treatment | Symptoms & Procedures – https://www.benendenhospital.org.uk/treatments-services/colorectal-surgery/haemorrhoids-treatment/
  11. Haemorrhoids – https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/haemorrhoids-piles
  12. Piles (haemorrhoids) – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/piles-haemorrhoids/
  13. Haemorrhoid treatment on the NHS | eXroid – https://www.exroid.com/haemorrhoid-advice/haemorrhoid-treatment-on-the-nhs
  14. Haemorrhoidectomy – Milton Keynes University Hospital – https://www.mkuh.nhs.uk/patient-information-leaflet/haemorrhoidectomy
  15. 19051517 haemorrhoids.indd – https://www.bradfordhospitals.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/19051517-haemorrhoids.pdf
  16. Can you get haemorrhoids removed on the NHS? | eXroid – https://www.exroid.com/can-you-get-haemorrhoids-removed-on-the-nhs
  17. Haemorrhoid treatment costs | eXroid – https://www.exroid.com/the-treatment-costs
  18. Haemorrhoids (Piles) Symptoms, Advice & Treatment – https://www.colorectalcentre.co.uk/haemorrhoids-piles.html
  19. Haemorrhoids treatment – https://practiceplusgroup.com/treatments/general-surgery/haemorrhoids/
  20. Rubber band ligation versus excisional haemorrhoidectomy for haemorrhoids – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8860341/
  21. eXroid for internal haemorrhoids – https://www.nice.org.uk/advice/mib201/resources/exroid-for-internal-haemorrhoids-pdf-2285965386043333