Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins in the lower end of the rectum just inside the anus. Under certain conditions these veins may become swollen and can actually protrude or prolapse from the anus during a bowel movement. When this occurs the hemorrhoid may become irritated and painful and can bleed.
These enlarged veins are covered with the normal mucous membrane lining the rectum; this membrane produces mucus which can cause irritation, itching, and discomfort on the skin around the anus.
Constipation, pregnancy, heavy lifting, and sitting on the toilet for long periods may aggravate hemorrhoids. Correction of these problems is essential to its successful conservative treatment. Various anesthetic ointments and suppositories are useful for short-term relief of hemorrhoidal discomfort. Prolonged use of these products may cause a contact dermatitis and actually they may worsen the inflammation.
If conservative treatments do not relieve hemorrhoidal symptoms, other treatments, including surgery, must be considered.
New comfortable office treatments have taken the fear out of hemorrhoids. We offer several types of treatments for hemorrhoids not responding to conservative measures; these treatments are performed in our office and do not require anesthesia or hospitalization. There is minimal discomfort involved and there are no restrictions on activities after the procedure.
Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins in the lower end of the rectum just inside the anus. Under certain conditions these veins may become swollen and can actually protrude or prolapse from the anus during a bowel movement. When this occurs the hemorrhoid may become irritated and painful and can bleed.