Hemorrhoids are common. In fact, about 1 in 20 Americans have them. And almost half of adults age 50 and older have them.
Causes of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can be brought about by several things. This includes repeated straining (either through constipation or diarrhea) during bowel movements, pregnancy, and obesity. All of these cause an increase in abdominal pressure.
Internal vs External Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can be internal or external.
Internal hemorrhoids can be found inside the anal canal. They usually cause intermittent bleeding with mucous discharge, often during bowel movements, and may appear as small grape-like masses or protrusions outside the anus. These masses can be pushed back inside the anus with the fingertip.
External hemorrhoids, on the other hand, lie just outside the opening of the anal canal. They are the ones that cause protrusions that are bothersome and often, uncomfortable (internal hemorrhoids are generally painless).
In some cases, external hemorrhoids can develop a clot inside them (also known as thrombosis) which causes a firm and painful swelling around the anal area.
Treating Hemorrhoids
For mild cases of hemorrhoids, doctors may recommend home remedies first to alleviate the symptoms. This includes using over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams, doing warm sitz baths, and using hemorrhoid pads containing witch hazel.
If these conservative measures don’t help the pain and swelling long-term, there are other ways to treat the source of the hemorrhoids.
Premier Surgical Hemorrhoid Treatment Center offers non-invasive procedures for getting rid of hemorrhoids. We are the only dedicated hemorrhoid treatment center in East TN.
About ninety percent of hemorrhoid cases can be treated without the need for surgery. One of our most popular treatment options, the Infrared Coagulation (IFC), uses infrared light to zap hemorrhoids. Depending on the severity of hemorrhoids, it takes about 3 to 4 treatments to fully eliminate the source of hemorrhoids. Most insurance plans cover IFC.
If your hemorrhoids are affecting your quality of life, call our Confidential Hemorrhoid Hotline at (865) 588-9952 for an appointment or go online contact us to request an appointment.