Painful Bowel Movements Need To Be A Thing Of The Past

If having a bowel movement has become painful, or if you’re experiencing irritation or itchiness, you might be experiencing hemorrhoids. While the pain that can accompany hemorrhoids is sometimes severe, treatment for hemorrhoids can be fairly simple. There are multiple methods to alleviate hemorrhoid pain or even get rid of hemorrhoids altogether.

What Are Hemorrhoids?

Your anus and lower rectum contain blood vessels, and when they’re an appropriate size, you can’t feel them. Hemorrhoids are caused when the vessels become inflamed and enlarged. These inflamed blood vessels are what cause difficulty and pain when you’re trying to pass a bowel movement, itchiness and discomfort, and sometimes blood in your stool. They can develop either internally or externally.

What Causes Hemorrhoids?

For some, hemorrhoids develop and have no apparent cause. Other people may get them as a result of chronic constipation, when straining for bowel movements, or sitting on the toilet for extended periods of time. Hemorrhoids are also associated with pregnancy and childbirth, obesity, as well as aging.

How Are Hemorrhoids Treated?

Depending on the severity and location of your hemorrhoids, most people have a variety of options for treatment. For some, switching to a high fiber diet to make bowel movements easier can help. For others, there are some over the counter treatments available in the form of topical creams, sitz baths, and wipes.

What Can I Do For The More Stubborn Hemorrhoids? 

If you’ve tried over-the-counter solutions to treat your hemorrhoids, or an adjustment in lifestyle and diet, and they haven’t made a difference, we have an alternative solution. For the more stubborn and long-term hemorrhoids, especially internal ones, visit Carolina Digestive Health Associates for a hemorrhoid banding procedure. This in-office procedure is quick, with most patients having little to no downtime. Additionally, hemorrhoid banding also has a high success rate with fewer than 5% of patients experiencing the hemorrhoids coming back within two years. 

For more information, and to find out if you’re a good candidate for the procedure, book an appointment with our team today.