Hemorrhoid Treatment Specialist Q&A

Hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable, and in time cause pain. If you feel you may have hemorrhoids, or you are showing signs of hemorrhoids, contact Texas Colon and Pilonidal Clinic today! Contact us today for more information or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Cypress, TX and The Woodlands, TX.

Table of Contents:

What are hemorrhoids?
How do I know my hemorrhoids are symptomatic?
What various treatments does Woodland offer?
Can hemorrhoids be cured?

The Hemorrhoid and Pilonidal Center of The Woodlands is a program of Texas Colon and Pilonidal Clinic. It is your one-stop for comprehensive hemorrhoid care. We take care of all types and grades of hemorrhoidal disease using both office-based and hospital-based approaches where appropriate.

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are normal vascular cushions present in the anal canal. Every person has them! They contribute to maintaining fecal continence. They are not usually symptomatic.

Hemorrhoids occur when the veins or blood vessels in and around the anus and lower rectum become irritated and swollen. Hemorrhoids are natural and normal, as they are cushions present in the anal canal, so in all actuality, every person has them. Hemorrhoids contribute to maintaining fecal matter like bowel functions. Hemorrhoids are not symptomatic. However, hemorrhoids can become seen and felt on the outer or inner of the anus when there is extra pressure put onto those veins.

Hemorrhoids are common in both men and women, and about half of them will have experienced hemorrhoids at least once in their lifetime. Many women experience hemorrhoids during pregnancy and childbirth, due to the constant pressure of carrying a baby in their belly which puts extra stress on the blood vessels in and around the anus and lower rectum. Straining to push as well during labor and delivery also puts extreme pressure on those blood vessels.

How do I know my hemorrhoids are symptomatic?

When they become a source of discomfort, bleed, or get inflamed, they may require some sort of treatment.

There are two types of hemorrhoids – internal and external.

You will know the hemorrhoids are symptomatic due to some of the most common symptoms, which include:

• Bright red blood in your stool, on the toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl
• Irritation and pain around the anal area
• Swelling or a hard lump felt around the anal area
• Itching

Hemorrhoid symptoms may seem like other health issues that can also have the same common symptoms, so it is best to see a healthcare professional about your symptoms to be sure and be provided the correct treatment to help with your hemorrhoids.

As stated previously, hemorrhoids are common in both men and women, and most individuals will deal with hemorrhoids at least once by the time they are 50. You are at a higher risk of developing hemorrhoids if you are:

• Pregnant
• Sit on the toilet for long periods of time
• Obese
• Do things that make you strain, such as heavy lifting
• Family history of hemorrhoids
• Long-term or chronic constipation or diarrhea

To diagnose hemorrhoids, our doctors may provide several tests including:

• Physical exam
  A Physical exam is done to examine the anus and rectum for any swollen blood vessels which are a telltale sign of hemorrhoids.

• Digital rectal exam
  Your healthcare provider will insert a gloved, and lubricated finger into your rectum to check for any possible issues.

• Anoscopy
  A Hollow lighted tube is inserted into the anus to see any internal hemorrhoids.

• Proctoscopy
  A lighted tube is inserted into the anus to view your rectum.

• Sigmoidoscopy
  This exam checks the inside of the large intestine. It can help to review what may be causing your diarrhea, belly pain, constipation, abnormal growth, and bleeding. A short, flexible tube is inserted into the rectum to view the intestine, it blows air to make it swell which allows the doctor to view your intestine better.

• Colonoscopy
  Medical examination were looks at the full length of your large intestine. The examination will check for any abnormal growths, and if the tissues are red or swollen, any sores, or bleeding. During the exam, a long, flexible tube is inserted into your rectum and up into the colon. This exam allows our doctors to see the inner lining of the colon and even take out a tissue sample to test it.