Over 150 million of the living people in America today will experience some kind of hemorrhoids by the age of 50. Most will do nothing about it. Only 500,000 are expected to seek help this year. It is a crazy statistic, because for most people, hemorrhoids can be prevented and cured by making a few simple changes to lifestyle, diet and the use of an anti-inflammatory gel/cream.

There are 2 types of hemorrhoids, internal and external, both of which left unchecked can lead to more severe cases, and ultimately surgery. But that is if you do nothing about it. And there is not much to look forward to if you need surgery. Surgery is an excruciatingly painful experience, especially post-op. Many patients have reported days, if not weeks of pain during the healing period after surgery. You see the outer rectum is one of the most sensitive parts of the body, and the most prevalent surgeries involve burning off hemorrhoids, or banding (tying a band around the affected area until it drops off) which leaves the area extremely tender, and when the patient needs to have a bowel movement, the pain can be even more excruciating than the hemorrhoids ever were.

But that is what happens if you do NOT attend to your hemorrhoids early. And considering that one of the major causes of hemorrhoids is from straining during bowel movements due to poor diet/lifestyle, then there really is no reason that most sufferers can’t avoid getting more/worse hemorrhoids. That is, most people strain during a bowel movement because the stool (feces) has become hard and requires a lot of pushing and straining. Simple changes to diet and lifestyle can improve regularity and reduce painful ’straining’ bowel movements, and thus wipe-out the cause of hemorrhoids.

This is where the health of your colon kicks in. The colon (large intestine) can hold anywhere between 6-40lbs of fecal matter in the average adult. People who experience regular bowel movements (at least once daily), typically have a lot less of this fecal matter in their system, and quite obviously people who are less ‘regular’ have a lot more in their system. The colon, the last major part of the digestive system, actually draws a lot of water out of the fecal matter (stool) before it reaches the rectum. If the stool spends too much time in the colon, or if your diet is missing some key foods, then too much water is drawn out of the stool, and this is when you experience a hard bowel movement that requires straining and pushing….resulting in hemorrhoids.

There is much debate about what causes the stool to spend more time in the colon and thus become harder, but most agree that a clean and clear colon will assist in helping the stool to move freely and smoothly through the intestine. Couple this a diet rich in water and fiber (which assists in making the stool softer and easier to pass) and you’re on the right path towards reducing the cause of hemorrhoids.

Exercise is another major factor in improving you inner health. Many experts believe that exercise assists in speeding up our metabolic rate which actually sees our digestive system work quick, thus resulting in ‘regularity’ and less fecal matter sitting virtually idle in the digestive system (colon).

So if you have a diet that incorporates a lot of fiber (wholemeal breads/cereal and fruits), you drink ample water (6-8 glasses daily) and you partake in regular exercise, then you could well be on your way towards improving your inner health, improving your bowel-movement regularity and reducing your hemorrhoids.

And for many people who are already ‘dealing’ with hemorrhoids, the use of an anti-inflammatory cream/gel can be the first step in helping to cure, and rid themselves of their hemorrhoids. Poor diet, laziness and lack of hydrating fluids are CAUSES of hemorrhoids, so making improvements in these areas will probably help to ease the current hemorrhoids, but will NOT FULLY CURE the sufferer. The use of an anti-inflammatory will assist here (in most cases) by soothing the affected area, and also helping with circulation in the rectum area. These products act as a kind of decongestant in the rectum by reducing the swelling, which naturally brings with it better blood circulation in the veins, which in turn helps to diminish the size and existence of the hemorrhoids.

There are a variety of herbs for hemorrhoids that work as well, and often better, than over the counter and prescription medications. Some herbs can be applied topically, others work when inserted into the anus and serve to clean the area and reduce symptoms at the same time. Here are a few of your choices:

* Fresh pulp aloe vera gel applied to anus takes away pain much like aspirin.
* Bayberry, goldenseal root, myrrh, white oak as salves are similar to many over the counter, conventional hemorrhoid treatments.
* Comfrey root made into a paste and put in a poultice is a good way to heal bleeding caused by hemorrhoids.
* Elderberry poultice or mullein poultice held to the anal area helps reduce swelling and inflammation.
* Yarrow boiled into a tea and applied with a cotton ball several times a day is another anti-inflammatory agent.
* Witch hazel applied with a cotton ball a few times a day acts as astringent.
* Buckthorn bark, collinsonia root, parsley, red grape vine leaves, stone root are best taken orally in capsule or tea form, and reduce pain and inflammation.
* Peeled cloves of garlic and small cone shaped pieces of potato used as a suppository a few times a week are also common home cures for hemorrhoids.
* Similarly, cayenne and garlic enemas work well to ease symptoms.

Prevention goes a long way when it comes to hemorrhoids and once you’ve gotten rid of the initial onset, keep them from coming back by changing your diet. Take 1-2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil daily, drink plenty of liquids, and foods like alfalfa sprouts, blackstrap molasses, dark green leafy vegetables as well as foods rich in dietary fiber like beets, Brazil nuts, psyllium seed, green beans, carrots, apples, and broccoli.

Don’t feel badly if you have a hemorrhoids. It is common but not many speak about it to others due to the fact it seems so personal. Most people can treat it without surgery.

One way to avoid hemorhoids is to avoid straining your sphincter muscles and to take stool softeners if needed. If you work on a hard floor standing for hours that can also strain your body (as well as being overly sedentary) or if you are involved in heavy lifting you may strain yourself. Another recommendation is to not stay on the toilet for long periods of time reading. If you have a desk job try to get up once an hour for a few minutes to move and stretch.

Some factors that may contribute to hemorrhoids include being overweight and one’s genetic lineage.

Is there a natural cure for hemorrhoids? It is good to eat a diet that is balanced and has sufficient fiber, practice good bathroom hygeine and avoid constipation to not put any strain on rectal veins. If you use bran ,remember to have sufficient water with it as fiber without water can make constipation actually worse. Psyllium seeds are good and metamucil is commonly used. Again be sure to have sufficient water whether you take it as a cookie or powder.

Some popular herbs and alternative supplements used by people for relief are bromelain (anti-inflammatory), aloe very juice and butcher’s broom.

There have also been research studies with the supplement butcher’s broom extract showing that it can help tighten and strengthen veins (this includes both hemorrhoids as well as varicose vein conditions).

Hemorrhoids can be a problem for pregnant women due to the pressure of the fetus.

Soaking in the tub can help relieve symptoms and some people like to rotate ice and taking a warm bath for hemorrhoids care.

Pleae keep in mind that hemorrhoids will not lead to cancer so if there is blood from this condition there need not be panic. Having said that, it is important to know that colon cancer may have some bleeding so you do need a proper diagnosis.

There is a lot of information and product ideas on the net and I suggest finding something that has a money back guarantee as well as testimonials as you look for a natural cure for hemorrhoids to help treat this condition. Also keep your perspective and remember that it is not life threatening if it starts to get you discouraged.

Any type of strain put on the anus or anal area may cause hemorrhoids. Tiny veins surrounding the rectum become inflamed and a hemorrhoid is born. By reducing the strain put on the anus, we can reduce the possibility of getting hemorrhoids. There are a few basic things that you can do to alter your lifestyle slightly in order to reduce the risk of developing painful hemorrhoids.

Change your diet to include foods that are high in fiber. Fibrous foods create normal stools that are able pass from the body easily. Passing stool easily creates less strain on the anal muscles and therefore reduces the risk of hemorrhoids.

Some foods that are high in fiber include: grains, foods high in bran, fruits and vegetables.

Processed foods may be convenient but they also cause the stool to harden due to their lack of fiber. These foods will increase your risk of hemorrhoids so they should be avoided.

If you feel that increasing the amount of fiber in your diet is difficult by just changing your diet, there are fiber products available over the counter at your local pharmacy that will soften stool. These products usually come in powder or pill form. If you are unsure which type would be best for you, contact your physician or pharmacist for medical advice.

In addition to adding fiber rich foods to your diet, you should also increase your water intake. The rule of thumb is to drink 8-8oz. Glasses of water per day. Water will loosen your stools again causing less strain on the anal muscles and decreasing your risk of painful hemorrhoids.
Change your toilet habits. Do not wait until you feel like you really have to go. Putting off going to the bathroom will give your stool time to harden while waiting in your intestines to be expelled. Hard stool causes increased pushing which in turn causes undo stress to the anus which increases your risk of developing hemorrhoids.

The bathroom may be the only alone time that you can get. However, reading or staying on the toilet for longer periods then needed to take care of business can lead to the development of hemorrhoids.

Cleanliness is next to Godliness. The French invented the bidet for a reason.

A clean anal area decreases the chances of developing hemorrhoids. Although cleaning with toilet paper alone is fine, there are now flushable wipes on the market that will guarantee a clean anus. They are safe to flush and safe to use in your most sensitive areas.

Exercise is just good for you in general. It seems that everything can be prevented by adding a little exercise to our lives.

It is just common sense that if we are not exercising or leading an active lifestyle, then we are sitting or leading a sedentary lifestyle. Long periods of sitting cause strain to the anus. As we know by now strain put on the anal muscles is what causes hemorrhoids to develop.

A rule of thumb to follow is that you should stand and walk around for at least 5 minutes every hour. Why that isn’t even real sweat causing exercise. That’s a simple trip to the kitchen for a glass of water!

In addition to not sitting for long periods of time, exercising regularly increases blood flow through the veins. Increased blood flow through the veins will reduce pressure on the veins surrounding the anus and therefore reduce constipation.

Hemorrhoids often sneak up on their victims unannounced with very little in the way of warning. Because hemorrhoid tissue already exists in the anal canal, inflammation is all it takes for the lumps to enlarge and, if further irritated, to bleed. Hemorrhoids may or may not cause pain, depending entirely upon where they appear and whether they occur under skin with nerves that sense pain or only pressure.

Hemorrhoids inside the anal canal usually do not hurt, but those just outside generally do.
Bleeding may occur when a bowel movement passes through the anal canal and ruptures the hemorrhoid in the process. This means bleeding and, possibly, pain. Some hemorrhoids protrude from the anus even if they are inside the anal canal. Most can be pushed back in with a finger, but they will most likely reappear with the next bowel movement.

There are four different ‘grades’ of hemorrhoids as classified by doctors. Each has its own symptoms and characteristics. They are as follows:

* First Degree Hemorrhoids – Bleeding hemorrhoids.
* Second Degree Hemorrhoids – Hemorrhoids that may or may not bleed and protrude from the anal canal but draw back in of their own accord.
* Third Degree Hemorrhoids – Hemorrhoids that protrude from the anal canal but must be pushed in manually.
* Fourth Degree Hemorrhoids – Hemorrhoids that protrude from the anal canal, do not retract of their own accord, and cannot be pushed in manually.

These may contain blood clots or pull lining of the rectum through the anus.

health fitness hemorrhoids symptoms signs

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are an incredibly common medical condition and yet it is something which is rarely talked about. It is believed that 50% of Americans have this condition by the time they reach the age of 50 and yet only 500,000 of these people seek medical help for the problem. Of these, between 10 and 20% require surgery to have their hemorrhoids removed.

Hemorrhoids are caused by the veins in the rectum and anus becoming swollen and inflamed. The location of the piles can be internal or external and the symptoms vary dependent on this. If the hemorrhoids are internal, they can go undetected as pain receptors are not present internally. The only evidence of the problem can be blood in the bowel movements as they pass through the area. External piles are widely known to resemble a bunch of grapes and can be extremely painful for the sufferer. Of the two types, it would appear that internal hemorrhoids are the better of the two to have as you may not even know it. However, external piles can be easily treated whereas internal piles, when left undetected, can result in more serious complications.

If an internal hemorrhoid becomes severely distended over time it can be pushed out of the anus and so be visible externally. This is very unpleasant as it means that the internal passage is obstructed, making passing bowel movements difficult and painful. This is called prolapsed hemorrhoids. Once this has happened it is quite common for the anus to spasm and the sphincter can then trap the prolapsed hemorrhoid outside of the body. This then prevents the blood supply from reaching it and it becomes a strangulated hemorrhoid.

Causes of hemorrhoids can be due to genetic tendency or environmental factors. Some people are born with weak veins in their rectum and so there is little they can do to prevent it from happening. However, for others there are more wide ranging reasons behind the condition.

Pregnancy is widely acknowledged to exacerbate the prevalence of hemorrhoids. During childbirth itself, the excessive straining can cause the problem to occur. This can also be the case when straining forcefully whilst in the bathroom. This can be prevented by increasing fibre in the diet, upping your water intake and reducing that of diuretic drinks. A diuretic generally contains caffeine and this actually dehydrates the body by the intake of the fluid. It is also recommended that you do not sit on the toilet for longer than necessary, for example if you are reading in the bathroom. The position in which you sit on the toilet can also increase the problem.

Many people find that outbreaks of piles can be treated by undertaking the same habits as I suggested to prevent them in the first place. Topical creams are also available which can soothe the area and encourage a reduction in the swelling. Once the swelling has gone down, the hemorrhoids are able to retreat back into the body. However, should these treatments not work within a matter of days, or should you experience prolonged or regular bouts of haemorrhoids you should seek medical attention from your doctor.

Hemorrhoids, or piles as they are commonly known, are the inflamed and swollen veins around the anus or the lower part of the rectum. Hemorrhoids may result from inordinate straining to pass out stool. Pregnancy, constipation or diarrhea, anal intercourse, and aging also may lead to the formation of hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can be external or internal. It is easy to confuse other anorectal problems like fissures, fistula, or abscesses with hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are not life threatening and the symptoms usually go away after a few days.

Symptoms:

Though many people have hemorrhoids, only a few experience the symptoms.

Internal hemorrhoids

These can neither be seen nor felt. But when a person strains to pass stool, the delicate surface of the hemorrhoid may get injured and this may cause it to bleed. Internal anal membranes do not have pain-sensitive nerve fibers, so the hemorrhoids do not cause discomfort. If an internal hemorrhoid is pushed through the anal opening due to straining, it can lead to pain and irritation.

External hemorrhoids

These are the painful hemorrhoids. If blood pools in the external hemorrhoid, it is called a thrombus. This forms a clot and causes severe pain, inflammation and swelling. If this hemorrhoid is disturbed, it can cause bleeding and itching.

Hemorrhoids are an embarrassing problem for many, but it is also very common among both men and women. More than half the population suffers from this problem by the time they reach 50. Hemorrhoids are common among pregnant women.

Causes:

Increased pressure in the veins of the lower rectum is what leads to hemorrhoids. Pressure is often applied due to:

-Constipation and the accompanying strain to release stool
-Continuous expulsion of loose stools through diarrhea
-Heavy lifting
-Standing or sitting for a long time
-Pregnancy and childbirth
-Heredity

Diagnosis:

Rectal bleeding is the most common indication of internal hemorrhoids. But, rectal bleeding may also be a symptom of digestive diseases. The doctor will examine the area for swollen blood vessels, which indicate hemorrhoids. If rectal bleeding is accompanied by dizziness, light-headedness or fainting, a doctor should be consulted immediately. External hemorrhoids may be detected just by looking. To ascertain the presence of an internal hemorrhoid, the doctor may need to do a colonoscope, anoscope or sigmoidoscoope.

Treatment:

The first phase of the treatment aims at relieving symptoms. Taking a warm tub bath several times a day in mild, warm water for about 10 minutes is effective. Some hemorrhoidal cream applied to the affected area also helps.

Persistent bleeding and painful hemorrhoids may need more intricate treatment. Common procedures include Banding, Sclerotherapy, applying Infrared light, and lastly, surgery.

Prevention:

-Eat food rich in fiber. This will soften the stool and make it bulky, thus facilitating easy passage.
-Drink lots of water: This also eases and quickens bowel movements.
-Fiber supplements: Fiber supplements can help. Supplements should be taken with plenty of water. Otherwise, constipation results.
-Exercising regularly can help increase the blood circulation and also helps to lose weight.
-Avoid standing or sitting for long periods as this increases pressure on the veins.
-Use the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge, otherwise stools become hard and difficult to pass.

Self-care is the best care if your hemorrhoids are in the early stages. You can alleviate pain and discomfort by:

-Using topical treatments like creams
-Keeping the anal area completely neat
-Soaking regularly in warm water helps relieve pain.
-Applying ice packs or cold compresses to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
-Gently pushing a prolapsed hemorrhoid back into the anal canal.
-Using wet toilet paper to prevent friction.

Initial medical treatment of hemorrhoids is aimed at relieving symptoms and It is important to see a doctor if you have any rectal bleeding.

New comfortable office treatments have taken the fear out of hemorrhoids. For the majority of patients who do truly have symptomatic hemorrhoids, treatment can often be performed in the office with minimum morbidity and discomfort. The good news is that new comfortable office treatments have taken the fear out of hemorrhoids. These treatments are usually done on grade 1 to 3 hemorrhoids in the healthcare provider’s office.

A prospective study of infrared coagulation, injection, and rubber band ligation in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Outpatient treatment of hemorrhoids: A randomized clinical trial to compare rubber band ligation with phenol injection. Prospective randomized comparison of photocoagulation and rubber band ligation in treatment of hemorrhoids. Three-year follow-up study on the treatment of first- and second-degree hemorrhoids by sclerosant injection or rubber band ligation. Optimal nonsurgical treatment of hemorrhoids: a comparative analysis of infrared coagulation, rubber band ligation, and injection sclerotherapy. As can be seen the treatment of hemorrhoids with rubber bands is a simple and effective method of curing this ailment. Ligation – the rubber band treatment – works effectively on internal hemorrhoids that protrude with bowel movements. – Rubber band ligation is an outpatient treatment for second-degree internal hemorrhoids. Rubber band ligation is probably the most widely used of the many treatments for internal hemorrhoids (and the least costly for the patient). If they do return, they can be treated again with rubber band ligation or other treatments.1Infrared photocoagulation is also used to treat small hemorrhoids. Research is now under way comparing stapled hemorrhoidopexy with rubber band ligation and hemorrhoidectomy as a first-line treatment for internal hemorrhoids. A prospective study of infrared coagulation, injection and rubber band ligation in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Optimal nonsurgical treatment of hemorrhoids: A comparative analysis of infrared coagulation, rubber band ligation, and injection sclerotherapy. Optimal nonsurgical treatment of hemorrhoids: a comparative analysis of infrared coagulation, rubber band ligation and injection sclerotherapy. Three year follow-up study on the treatment of first and second degree hemorrhoids by sclerosant injection or rubber band ligation.

The natural treatments used for varicose veins are also often recommended for hemorrhoids, because a hemorrhoid is actually a special kind of varicose vein. This proven effective treatment is to be used to eliminate chronic hemorrhoid conditions, or to eliminate hemorrhoids from a recent diagnosis. Fast acting hemorrhoid treatment for hemorrhoids. the effective hemorrhoid treatment Helping the world discover long term relief for hemorrhoids and piles. Hemorrhoid Treatment Pregnant women frequently experience hemorrhoids due to the increased pressure on the rectal area caused by the developing baby. Hemorrhoid treatment and information site devoted to information on hemorrhoids and hemorrhoid treatment by Dr. Your Information Your choices are:Use home treatments to control hemorrhoid symptoms.Have a fixative procedure that cuts off the blood flow to the hemorrhoids. Home treatments provide sufficient relief from hemorrhoid symptoms.You have external hemorrhoids that are causing symptoms and have not improved with home treatment. Natural hemorrhoid treatments that act as anti-inflammatories have proven to be extremely successful over long-term periods to treat and heal hemorrhoids. Neo Healer hemorrhoid treatment cream works on a unique three-pronged principle to cure hemorrhoids: 1. Procedures to treat hemorrhoids Some hemorrhoids can%u2019t be managed with conservative treatments alone, either because symptoms persist or because an internal hemorrhoid has prolapsed. For more serious cases of hemorrhoids, there are several hemorrhoid treatment techniques used by physicians. Hemorrhoid treatmentInformation on hemorrhoids and various types of hemorrhoid treatment options.

A randomized trial of photocoagulation or injection sclerotherapy for the treatment of first- and second-degree hemorrhoids. A randomized trial of photocoagulation or injection sclerotherapy for the treatment of first and second-degree hemorrhoids: Disease of the colon and rectum 1985,28:238-240. Introduction Injection sclerotherapy remains a universally popular method for the treatment of first and second degree hemorrhoids in the outpatient clinic. In conventional allopathic treatment, the hemorrhoids may sometimes be hardened by injection, tied off (the preferred method), or removed by surgery.

Learn how hemorrhoids are treated through self care, medical treatment, and surgery. Now, British researchers say the compound could be an effective treatment for the severe pain that can follow surgery to remove hemorrhoids. Most do not require surgery or other treatment unless the hemorrhoids are very large and painful. This treatment is consequently effective to help prevent vein breakage after surgery, when an operation is the chosen method to remove hemorrhoids. This treatment shrinks hemorrhoids upon application and provides safe elimination of hemorrhoids within days without scarring, tissue damage, or invasive surgery. – Surgery to remove the hemorrhoids may be used if other treatments fail. Surgery to remove the hemorrhoids may be used if other treatments fail. For severe cases of hemorrhoids, such as prolapsed, thrombosed, or strangulated hemorrhoids, surgery may be the only treatment option. It is usually considered only for severe hemorrhoids.Surgery may be done if other treatments (including home treatment) have failed. No longer do you have to worry about messy ointments or expensive surgery with extensive recovery time associated with other hemorrhoids treatment.

With early detection, a patient with hemorrhoids, is usually able to undergo a painless and non-invasive, non-surgical treatment using infrared coagulation (IRC). “With early detection, a patient with hemorrhoids, is usually able to undergo a painless and non-invasive, non-surgical treatment using infrared coagulation (IRC). Infrared coagulation: a new treatment for hemorrhoids. A randomized comparison of infrared photocoagulation with bipolar diathermy for the outpatient treatment of hemorrhoids.

The vast majority of hemorrhoids don’t require invasive medical treatment. Severe hemorrhoids may even require surgical treatment. Severe hemorrhoids may require special treatment, much of which can be performed on an outpatient basis. Therefore, hemorrhoids require the proper diagnosis and treatment by a physician. Small ulcerated external hemorrhoids usually do not require any treatment for hemostasis. Though PPH may be a simple and effective treatment for hemorrhoids, any surgeon attempting this procedure would still require formal training. Men are more likely than women to suffer from hemorrhoids that require professional medical treatment. Men are more likely than women to suffer from hemorrhoids that require professional medical treatment.Causes and symptomsPrecisely why hemorrhoids develop is unknown.

When symptoms such as itching, burning, or pain occur, it is important to find a herbal treatment for hemorrhoids as soon as possible. This is a highly effective anti inflammatory treatment formulated exclusively to stop bleeding and ease acute pain from hemorrhoids. If pain persists, talk to a physician about other hemorrhoids treatment options. Most creams or suppositories used in the treatment of hemorrhoids are directed at reducing the pain and itching symptoms. If you are having pain that you know is from hemorrhoids, but no bleeding, home treatment may be all that is needed. Post operative problems include bleeding, pain and urinary retention For external hemorrhoids treatment is by excision.

Bring fast effective hemorrhoids relief with this anti-inflammatory formula treatment. Roid Relief is a topical treatment proven to immediately penetrate into cell membranes to provide instant relief for people suffering from hemorrhoids. If the patient waits three or more days, hemorrhoids treatment will resolve the discomfort, but relief may take up to a week. Some quality natural products for treatment of hemorrhoids can yield complete relief.

Since hemorrhoids are partly caused by large solid bowl movements one treatment used to prevent hemorrhoids is a fiber supplement. Authors’ conclusions The use of fiber shows a consistent beneficial effect for relieving overall symptoms and bleeding in the treatment of symptomatic hemorrhoids. Meta-analyses using random-effects models showed that laxatives in the form of fiber had a beneficial effect in the treatment of symptomatic hemorrhoids. Authors’ conclusions: The use of fiber shows a consistent beneficial effect for relieving overall symptoms and bleeding in the treatment of symptomatic hemorrhoids. Insoluble fiber is the preferred treatment for hemorrhoids, not soluble fiber as attested by the recommendations for wheat bran by so many surgeons. Changing one diet to include more fiber and water to soften stools and prevent constipation is also an effective treatment for hemorrhoids.

Clinical trial of oral diosmin (Daflon) in the treatment of hemorrhoids. A clinical trial of trihydroxyethylrutoside (Varemoid) in the treatment of hemorrhoids. A clinical trial of trihydroxyethylrutoside (”Varemoid”) in the treatment of hemorrhoids. A clinical trial of trihydroxyethylrutoside (Varemoid) in the treatment of hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are swollen and enlarged anal veins. They appear due to numerous causes such as sitting on the toilet too long, straining when passing a bowel movement, and they are sometimes caused by the strain and excess weight of a fetus during pregnancy.

There are internal hemorrhoids and external, or prolapsed hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids occur high up in the rectum and generally the only symptom you will notice is some bright red blood on the stool, or in the toilet. It is when they prolapse they can become problematic.

Some prolapsed hemorrhoids will only bulge out with a bowel movement and will spontaneously go back into the rectum. Some hemorrhoids prolapse with a bowel movement and can be pushed back inside the rectum. A prolapsed hemorrhoid that cannot be pushed back into the rectum may require surgery. These severe hemorrhoids may also prolapse with coughing and sneezing. They may also have a chronic mucus type discharge.

If you’re lucky, and diligent, you can treat some hemorrhoids with surgery. The first recommendation is to increase the fiber in your diet. This can easily be done by taking a fiber supplement on a daily basis. Increase your water intake to help keep your stools soft. Take a stool softener, following the manufacturers recommendations. When you wipe don’t use toilet paper, use a cotton ball or pad pre moistened with witch haze. You can buy pre moistened pads at your local drug store. For itching you an use any of the numerous over the counter hemorrhoidal preparations.

If the above recommendations don’t help, your physician may recommend hemorrhoid surgery. Small hemorrhoids can be “banded”. A rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid. This band stops the blood circulation that feeds the hemorrhoid. The hemorrhoid shrivels and withers away. Some surgeons treat hemorrhoids with sclerosing agents, which do the same thing as a band.

Laser coagulation an be performed. With laser coagulation a small electrical current is applied to the hemorrhoid via a probe. This electrical current causes the blood flow to the hemorrhoid to stop, causing it to wither away.

With larger hemorrhoids surgical removal is performed, usually with local or spinal anesthesia. After the hemorrhoid is removed gauze packing is used to help reduce bleeding. There is generally a 4-5 day period of “down time” following this surgery.

Any rectal bleeding should be checked by your physician.