Hemorrhoids can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable topic, so many people who suffer from them are too afraid to ask for help. But when you do have hemorrhoids, it’s important to discuss your symptoms with a hemorrhoid specialist to determine what type of treatment is needed so that you can have relief!
If you are suffering from hemorrhoids, one of our Los Angeles colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists at the Hemorrhoid Surgery Center of Excellence can help you determine the type and severity of your hemorrhoids, and if surgical or non-surgical treatment is necessary. Our doctors attended top training programs and specialize in state-of-the-art treatments for hemorrhoids.
What Are the Symptoms of Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids can be extremely painful and uncomfortable, and depending on the type, can have different sets of symptoms.
- Internal hemorrhoids symptoms: An internal hemorrhoid forms on the inside of the rectum lining, which may not cause symptoms right away. When patients do experience symptoms, it tends to be blood in the stool and throbbing or itching around the anus.
- External hemorrhoids symptoms: External hemorrhoids form from swollen veins, which fill the soft tissue with blood and create protrusions, or bumps, on the skin. Unlike internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids are visible and easier to diagnose. Symptoms tend to include blood on toilet tissue and itchiness or rawness around the afflicted area.
How Long Do Hemorrhoids Last?
When you have hemorrhoids, it’s vital to treat them right away. In their early stages, most hemorrhoids can be treated with creams or other over-the-counter treatments. However, if your hemorrhoids last more than a few days – even after over-the-counter treatment – you should seek medical assistance from a hemorrhoid specialist.
If left untreated, most hemorrhoids progress and become more severe, often rendering surgery necessary.
Internal hemorrhoids can become prolapsed, where they protrude from the anus. This condition is extremely painful and may be difficult to treat with creams. Often, rubber band ligation is used to treat internal hemorrhoids once they become prolapsed.
Likewise, an external hemorrhoid that is left untreated can cause blood clotting, which can then lead to a thrombosed hemorrhoid. The symptoms of a thrombosed external hemorrhoid include a bluish-purple discoloring and severe pain. If you are experiencing these symptoms, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our hemorrhoid specialists right away to determine the correct method of treatment.
Hemorrhoidectomy
Hemorrhoids that don’t heal from non-surgical methods of treatment may require surgery to remove them. Our world-class colorectal and gastrointestinal surgeons perform minimally invasive hemorrhoidectomies that are done on an outpatient basis, so your recovery time is as quick as possible.
Contact a Hemorrhoids Specialist in Los Angeles
If you are suffering from hemorrhoids and are interested in learning about treatment options, feel free to contact the Hemorrhoid Surgery Center of Excellence in Los Angeles and schedule a consultation with one of our world-class hemorrhoid specialists. You can speak with a member of our surgery center by calling (888) 742-2032 or filling out our online contact form.
Next, read about home hemorrhoid prevention and care.