Hemorrhoid FAQ

NORTH SCOTTSDALE HEMORRHOID TREATMENT CENTER

Everything you need to know about your hemorrhoids but was too embarrassed to ask…

 

What are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are blood vessels that are an integral part of your digestive system. When they become enlarged, they can cause extreme discomfort and bleeding. Hemorrhoids can be classified into one of two categories:

Internal: These are blood vessels inside the rectum that become enlarged. These hemorrhoids may protrude. They can be treated by rubber band ligation.

External: The blood vessels can become enlarged outside the rectum as well, resulting in bulges around the anal canal.

 

Common Hemorrhoid Symptoms:

Prolapse: If an internal hemorrhoid becomes large enough, it can push through the anal canal, resulting in a prolapse. Sometimes this prolapse may retreat on its own, but other times it may need to be pushed back in.

Bleeding: Bleeding is caused by internal hemorrhoids. You may see this manifest in bloody stool, or spots of blood on the toilet paper when wiping. Clotted or thrombosed hemorrhoids can also cause bleeding and are treated differently.

Itching: Hemorrhoids can cause itching around the anus. If this occurs, you should seek treatment as itching can be a result of other conditions including anal fissure, anal or rectal cancer. Continued scratching may make your symptoms worse and hence harder to treat.

 

What Causes Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids can be caused by a number of issues. If you have chronic constipation or diarrhea, or if you have recently been pregnant and given birth, you may experience hemorrhoid issues. Diet and weight gain can also cause problems associated with hemorrhoids.

 

When Should I Treat My Hemorrhoids?

As soon as possible. When left untreated, hemorrhoid symptoms can worsen, and cause increased discomfort and embarrassment. When treated early, the chance for recurrence is greatly reduced, as is the pain of treatment.

If you’re suffering from hemorrhoids, you may be wondering why? We’ve answered some commonly asked questions about hemorrhoids, in the hopes of alleviating your concerns.

 

Why do I have Hemorrhoids ?

Actually, we all have hemorrhoids! Specifically, we all have hemorrhoidal tissue, but sometimes that tissue can cause problems. Straining during bowel movements, having consistent constipation or diarrhea, or irregular bowel patterns can contribute to having hemorrhoid issues. They can also be caused by pregnancy.

 

Is it painful to have my hemorrhoids treated ?

Typically, no. When caught early, treatment can be pain-free and very effective. Rubber band ligation treatment is incredibly effective, and is the most common procedure we perform in the office.

Surgery, typically an uncomfortable procedure, is only considered if necessary to treat your hemorrhoid problems. We usually use long-acting anesthetics that have consistently reduced associated side effects.

 

Can my Hemorrhoids cause cancer ?

Hemorrhoids often fall into the latter category.

The answer is No. Hemorrhoids cannot cause cancer. However, many people attribute their bleeding to hemorrhoids before any other issue, and may not seek immediate attention. Bleeding can be a tell tale sign of more serious conditions such as cancer. This is why you should never self diagnose but always seek the expertise of a colon and rectal surgery specialist. If you are experiencing bleeding during bowel movements, you should make an appointment with our office as soon as possible.

 

Should any doctor treat my hemorrhoids ?

The short answer is no. Hemorrhoids are a specialized issue, and require a specialist’s training and experience. While you may be referred to a gastroenterologist or even a vascular surgeon to treat your hemorrhoids, you should ask to be referred to a colon and rectal surgeon. Only a colon and rectal surgeon has completed the necessary training and certification to be so uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat your issue.