Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus. Hemorrhoids may feel like itching, irritation, pain, and swelling of the anus. They can also lead to blood in stool and anal leakage. They are uncomfortable, disrupt daily activities, and the itching and leakage make them potentially embarrassing.
At-home treatments for hemorrhoids can ease the discomfort until they heal. If you have severe pain or bleeding, your doctor might recommend a minimally invasive procedure to remove or shrink the hemorrhoid. Most hemorrhoids go away within a week or so with at-home treatment.
Sometimes, hemorrhoids go away but keep coming back. These recurring hemorrhoids bring the pain and discomfort back into your life again and again. If left untreated, recurring hemorrhoids can worsen and require medical or surgical intervention. Although a few medical conditions may cause hemorrhoids, most are caused by lifestyle factors. Hemorrhoids are caused by pressure on your rectum and anus, which can be a result of:. In most cases, home treatments can give you temporary relief from the discomfort of hemorrhoids.
The pain and swelling might be relieved with:. A thrombosed hemorrhoid has developed a blood clot inside. A ruptured hemorrhoid can cause severe pain and bleeding. Because a hemorrhoid can feel like a hard lump, sometimes people attempt to pop one like a pimple. A popped hemorrhoid and any accidental injuries become an open wound surrounded by all the bacteria in your anal area.
That bacteria can cause an infection, which can lead to more complications. If you have recurring hemorrhoids, your doctor might recommend making lifestyle changes as a first step to stop the cycle. Some lifestyle changes that can help prevent hemorrhoids are:. In that case, your doctor may recommend a minimally invasive procedure like hemorrhoid banding β a fast, painless way to remove a hemorrhoid right in the office.
