Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Hemorrhoids

Though rarely a serious health concern, hemorrhoids can be a recurring and painful problem. This is especially true if you choose to ignore the symptoms of this common anorectal disorder. 

But you’re not alone if you choose to suffer in silence instead of getting help for your hemorrhoids. The American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons says many suffer with their hemorrhoids for a long time before they reach out to their doctor for help. 

We get it. Here at Midwest Hemorrhoid Treatment Center, our board-certified family physician Dr. Betsy Clemens has dedicated her practice to diagnosing and treating “embarrassing” anorectal disorders like hemorrhoids.

Given our experience and expertise, we want you to know why you shouldn’t ignore your hemorrhoids. 

About your hemorrhoids

Though you may be familiar with some of the common symptoms of hemorrhoids, such as anal itchiness and anal pain, you may not know much about the underlying cause of these symptoms. 

Hemorrhoids are a lot like varicose veins. They’re enlarged, swollen blood vessels located inside the lower rectum or under the skin around the anus. 

Your rectum connects your colon to your anus. Its primary job is to store and eliminate stool, which stretches the tissue and the blood vessels. Stretching of your blood vessels causes them to expand, which weakens their walls. 

Over time, your weakened blood vessels succumb to the constant stretching and pressure and protrude, resulting in a hemorrhoid. Your hemorrhoids may be internal (located inside the lower rectum) or external (located outside the rectum under the sensitive anal tissue).   

Hemorrhoids are common and affect people of all ages. However, hemorrhoids are a chronic and recurring problem for about half of adults in the United States age 50 and above. 

Why you shouldn’t ignore hemorrhoids

Though hemorrhoids are rarely a serious health issue, ignoring them may prolong your suffering. Or worse, become a chronic problem that causes ongoing rectal pain, anal itching, and/or bleeding during bowel movements. 

Additionally, taking care of your hemorrhoids before they turn into a major painful problem may prevent the need for serious medical or surgical interventions. 

Finding the root cause

One of the best ways to treat hemorrhoids and prevent future episodes is to determine the root cause of your swollen blood vessels. Hemorrhoids develop when there’s excess stress and pressure on the rectal blood vessels, which causes them to bulge and swell.

There are many factors that may cause this excess pressure, including:

Knowing the factors that contribute to the development of your hemorrhoids may help you take the steps needed to alleviate your current symptoms and prevent a recurrence. 

Treating your hemorrhoids

In most cases, we can help you get relief from your hemorrhoid symptoms with a few lifestyle changes. These changes may include:

When at-home treatments fail to alleviate your hemorrhoid symptoms, we may recommend infrared coagulation (IRC) treatment. During the nonsurgical, in-office treatment, we use a special infrared light that shrinks your irritating hemorrhoids.

Ignoring your hemorrhoids only prolongs your suffering. Let us help you get relief and prevent a recurrence. Contact our office by calling 636-228-3186, or by scheduling an appointment online today. 

You Might Also Enjoy...

Why You Should Never Ignore Blood in Your Stool

Bowel habits aren’t something you regularly discuss, but you need to talk with your health provider when you have blood in your stool. Learn what blood in your stools might mean and why you should never ignore it.

Why Do I Have Anal Itchiness When I Sit Down?

Anal itchiness is an embarrassing symptom that may occur from any number of causes. Why does it itch so much when you sit down? Learn more about what’s causing your discomfort and what you can do about it.

It Hurts Every Time I Have a Bowel Movement

If it hurts every time you have a bowel movement, you may avoid the bathroom. But your pain is a symptom of some health issue that may not disappear if you ignore it. Click here to find out what causes painful bowel movements and what to do about it.

Home Remedies for Hemorrhoids

Treatment for hemorrhoids starts at home. Click here for some home remedies that may help heal your hemorrhoids and relieve discomfort.