Hemorrhoids are not a serious health issue in most cases and are very common. Statistically speaking, 3 out of 4 adults at some point in their lives may suffer from hemorrhoids and should make a full recovery. There are certain exceptions to this, though: Symptoms, such as seeing blood in the stool or experiencing excessive pain or swelling, mean that it’s time to seek medical attention from a healthcare professional.

Risk factors for hemorrhoids include pregnancy and giving birth; regular lifting of heavy objects; frequent diarrhea; being overweight; and chronic constipation. The risk of enlarged hemorrhoids increases as people age since the tissue weakens over time. Hemorrhoid problems are also known to run in families.

Leaving hemorrhoids untreated is an option that some people can choose to take if they are not in too much pain and discomfort. However, to err on the side of caution, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional.

If hemorrhoids are left untreated, inflammation, bleeding, or infection may occur. External hemorrhoids can get swollen and itchy and even begin to bleed. Any open wound on the body, such as a ruptured hemorrhoid, should never be left untreated as contamination or infection can occur, which in turn can lead to much more serious health concerns.

Though the annoyance of hemorrhoids can be enough reason to call your doctor, here is a quick checklist to know when you should be concerned:
– Rectal bleeding (any type)
– If the hemorrhoids are causing discomfort and pain
– If the problems continue, despite trying over-the-counter creams or other remedies
– If you are noticing that your stools are tarry or maroon in color (this can also be a sign of bleeding)

If you experience a large amount of rectal bleeding that is accompanied by faintness or dizziness, then emergency medical care is needed immediately. While hemorrhoids are considered a minor health problem, you should still have them examined. The real goal is hemorrhage relief, and for most people, that means a visit to the doctor.

Hemorrhoids are a very uncomfortable experience for most, but there are many other treatment methods available before surgery. Creams, serums, and changes to your diet are great at-home remedies, but you should get medical advice on this first.

Quite often, surgery for hemorrhoids is only performed in the most severe cases, like when creams and diet changes have been ineffective, or when emergencies, such as excess bleeding or intense pain, have occurred.

Hemorrhoids are typically classified by how severe they are. Grade 1 – slightly enlarged hemorrhoids that are not visible from outside the anus. Grade 2- larger hemorrhoids that can come out of the anus (while passing stool or during physical activities; then going back inside again on their own). Grade 3 – hemorrhoids that come out of the anus when using the toilet or while performing other physical activities but don’t go back inside on their own (they can be pushed back inside on their own). Grade 4 – hemorrhoids that are outside the anus and are not able to be pushed back inside.

There are innovative treatment options for people with grade 1 and 2 hemorrhoids. Those with Grade 3 or 4 hemorrhoids, on the other hand, will almost always require surgery.

The veins around your anus can stretch under pressure and may swell or bulge. Hemorrhoids may develop from increased pressure in the low rectum due to regular heavy lifting, eating a low-fiber diet, being pregnant, having anal intercourse, being obese, straining during bowel movements, having chronic constipation or diarrhea, or sitting for long periods of time, especially on the toilet, as this can increase the pressure on the veins in the anus.

Vanguard Gastroenterology offers treatment for hemorrhoids. We have convenient locations to serve you in Broadway and Midtown NYC. Call our team of leading healthcare professionals or visit us online to book an appointment. We serve patients from New York NY, Queens NY, Brooklyn NY, The Bronx NY, East Elmhurst NY, Ridgewood NY, Valley Stream NY, and Staten Island NY.