What are hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins in the anal canal. The fact is, more than 75% of people will be affected by hemorrhoids at some point in their lives, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Unfortunately, this means that you too may have to deal with this common condition. Hemorrhoids usually affect adults between the ages of 45 to 65 and are typically caused by increased pressure in the veins of the anus. Obesity and inactivity play a role in the development of hemorrhoids. Pregnancy and childbirth can also increase a woman’s risk for these protrusions.
The good news is there are several ways to treat hemorrhoids and ease the pain, itching and other unpleasant symptoms. The Hemorrhoid Center of Excellence in Los Angeles offers minimally invasive, state-of-the art procedures to treat hemorrhoids. Contact our Beverly Hills office for a consultation.
Steps to Prevent Hemorrhoids in Los Angeles
Taking the following steps can keep stools soft and help prevent hemorrhoids:
- Eat fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Exercise and avoid sitting in one place for too long
- Take stool softeners or fiber supplements
How to Treat Hemorrhoids in Los Angeles
If you do develop hemorrhoids, it’s important to know that you are not alone and that help exists. Mild hemorrhoids can be treated with several over-the-counter creams and other remedies. Soaking in a warm bath regularly for 10 to 15 minutes and using wet toilet paper after a bowel movement can also ease mild symptoms of hemorrhoids. While these options may help to relieve some of the uncomfortable symptoms of hemorrhoids, they may not be effective for internal hemorrhoids, which commonly cause bleeding.
If over-the-counter or home remedies do not alleviate your hemorrhoids, or if you suffer from more aggressive hemorrhoids, there are a number of procedures doctors can perform to treat your condition. The following procedures can help treat hemorrhoids:
- Ligation: a hemorrhoid’s blood supply is cut off with a rubber band.
- Sclerotherapy: a chemical solution is injected into a hemorrhoid to shrink it.
- Coagulation: a laser or infrared light is used to shrink a hemorrhoid. Hemorrhoidectomy: a surgical procedure used in more extreme cases to remove large hemorrhoids.
Our Los Angeles Colorectal Surgeons Can Help
Remember, hemorrhoids are a common condition, and you should not be embarrassed to seek treatment. Moreover, hemorrhoids can have a severe impact on your quality of life, causing pain, itching and overall inconvenience. The best thing you can do is to seek medical treatment early. At the Hemorrhoid Center of Excellence, our doctors work hard to ensure that you receive compassionate, effective treatment for your hemorrhoids. Our procedures will help alleviate your symptoms and, in many cases, eliminate hemorrhoids altogether.
Learn More About Hemorrhoid Treatment and Prevention in Los Angeles
There are ways to prevent hemorrhoids and treat hemorrhoids effectively. Our experienced surgeons at the Hemorrhoid Center of Excellence can teach you how to prevent hemorrhoids and treat hemorrhoids in Los Angeles, so schedule your appointment today! Call our hemorrhoid office at (888) 742-2032.
Next, learn about hemorrhoid home care and prevention.