Many people suffer in silence that have hemorrhoids because they are too embarrassed to see a  doctor. Social taboos are associated with this part of our body and we are conditioned to keep any problems with bathroom habits to ourselves. The fear of being ridiculed for having hemorrhoids is enough to keep this condition in our own personal closet forever.  Yet, if you suspect that you have hemorrhoids, you do need to get a diagnosis from your doctor. Remember that doctors are not there to embarrass you, and they routinely perform these examinations all the time.  There are many other conditions that could be causing your symptoms, such as rectal cancer or anal fissures.  Your life is too valuable to gamble with, so always go to your doctor to make sure what you are dealing with is a hemorrhoid. It is one thing to be embarrassed, and quite another thing to have a different disease which could be life-threatening.

Even though you may feel uneasy, seeing a doctor is the right choice!

The doctor will be able to visually identify prolapsed and external hemorrhoids, and then, will examine the interior of the rectum. If you have  internal hemorrhoids they usually can be felt by a digital rectal exam. With this exam, the doctor will insert a gloved lubricated finger into the rectum where they can feel any abnormalities. If the doctor needs to examine the inside of  the rectum visually, they will use an anoscope. An anoscope is a hollow lighted tube useful for viewing internal hemorrhoids.

To rule out any other causes of gastro-intestinal bleeding, the doctor may have you return for a more complete examine of the rectum and colon. A sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy are diagnostic procedures that involve the use of lighted, flexible tubes inserted through the rectum. These two exams would not be done on your first visit, unless you have gone through the pre-op care required beforehand. Your digestive system would need to be cleansed of all fecal matter for these exams. A sigmoidoscopy can exam half the colon for abnormalities, and it is usually done in the doctor’s office.  In contrast, a colonoscopy exams the whole length of the colon, and is performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical setting.

written by Joy Seeman

© Hemorrhoid Information Center 2009

Home Hemorrhoid Treatments are primarily concerned with creating healthy bowel habits. Although there is no single prescribed course of action for treating hemorrhoids, there are a number of measures that can be taken to remedy the condition.

How are Home Hemorrhoid Treatments Different From What a Doctor Would Prescribe?

Home Hemorrhoid Treatments differ from treatments prescribed under a doctor’s care because they are preventative. They are typically most effective when the hemorrhoidal condition is in its early stage.  Historically, Home Hemorrhoid Treatments are hold-overs from an era before the medical profession became specialized.  These treatments are frequently rooted in what is referred to as “practical” or “folk medicine”, and as such are usually practical in application, utilizing ingredients that are readily available in most households.  Although Home Hemorrhoids Treatments are typically less sophisticated than interventions prescribed by a doctor, it should be noted that this in no way signifies they are any less valid in treating the condition.

How Do I Avoid Aggravating the Hemorrhoids and Making Them Worse?

Home Hemorrhoid Treatment includes proactively taking steps that ensure one does not aggravate the condition.   For example, do not use soaps that are heavily perfumed or scented, because these will irritate the tissue of the anus and produce greater discomfort; when finished with a bowel movement, gently dab the infected area with a soft towel.  Try not to wipe the anus with toilet paper.   Instead, if possible, rinse with water in a shower, and if this is not possible use water or a cleansing product to dampen the toilet paper to avoid unnecessarily agitating the anus.  One can use products such as Tucks, Baby Wipes, or pre-moistened tissue to achieve relief.

What Home Treatments Should a Hemorrhoid Sufferer Employ?

Home Hemorrhoid Treatment should address all of the symptoms that arise with an onset of hemorrhoids.  There are a number of strategies ones Home Hemorrhoid Treatment may employ.   To relieve the pain and itching that frequently accompanies hemorrhoids, doctors recommend applying ice to the anus for approximately ten minutes, at least three times a day.  This can be followed with the use of a warm compress for about ten or twenty minutes.  Using damp heat as well can be an effective measure.  Additionally, physicians will often instruct their patients to use what is called a sitz bath to assist with relieving pain and itching.  A sitz bath requires one to fill their tub with only the water necessary to cover the anal region.  The water should be warm, but not hot, and it is generally recommended to soak for approximately fifteen to twenty minutes.

How Do You Deal with the Pain of Hemorrhoids?

Home Hemorrhoid Treatment frequently employs over-the-counter medications to address the pain that accompanies them.  However, it is important to note that Home Hemorrhoid Treatments should never include the use of such medications as Advil or Naproxen.  These pain-relievers, known as NSAIDs , or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, have been associated with increased bleeding, and should be avoided.  Instead, use Tylenol or any other medication with acetaminophen as its pain-killing agent.  Witch Hazel, which is easily obtainable at most pharmacies, is an effective remedy for Home Hemorrhoid Treatment, and can help reduce bleeding of external hemorrhoids by shrinking blood vessels and reducing blood flow to the infected region.

Are Lifestyle Changes Important?

Home Hemorrhoid Treatments also tend to stress various lifestyle changes, which if practiced diligently can assist to alleviate or reverse the condition (while it is in its earlier stages), as well as reduce the consequences of the symptoms.  Home Hemorrhoid Treatments often recommend not spending more than five minutes on the toilet during a bowel movement, not standing or sitting in one position for too long, altering diets so that they are high in fiber, in addition to increasing ones intake of water.  It is also important to not eat foods that can cause one to become either constipated or suffer diarrhea.  Heavy lifting should be avoided if possible, in addition to attempting to manage ones weight.  Heavier individuals exert more pressure onto their lower regions, which can be the cause of hemorrhoids, or aggravate them.

Are There Dietary Factors to Consider?

Home Hemorrhoid Treatments also take into consideration other dietary factors such as the need to avoid specific foods and restrict salt-intake.  Too much salt in the diet can cause one to retain water in their body, resulting in bulging veins in both the anus and the extremities.  Foods that are spicy or that contain caffeine, such as sodas and coffee, should also be restricted.  Pregnant women will sometimes develop hemorrhoids as a result of the uterus applying pressure to the blood vessels that feed into the hemorrhoidal veins.  To help remedy this situation, pregnant women are instructed to lie on their left side for approximately fifteen to twenty minutes, everyday, for four to six hours.  Performing this exercise may lessen the pressure exerted by the uterus on the hemorrhoidal veins, and may thus reduce symptoms.  Another reliable intervention is the doughnut cushion, so shaped to ensure that ones body weight does not rest directly atop the hemorrhoid and increase the pain.

Home Hemorrhoid Treatments come in a wide variety, and although this is but an overview, given the large number of remedies available, one can acquire relief from hemorrhoid symptoms if one has the correct information pertaining to Home Hemorrhoid Treatment.