Hemorrhoids — they’re extremely common and not typically dangerous, but also extremely undesired. The pain and discomfort caused by hemorrhoids are often stressors for patients, so many people wonder: What causes hemorrhoids, and how can I avoid them? Here, we’ll discuss the main causes of hemorrhoids, as well as the best prevention tactics to avoid this uncomfortable condition.
While hemorrhoids are a very common medical issue, they cause discomfort that can be disruptive to day-to-day life. With three out of four Americans experiencing hemorrhoids in their lifetimes, finding an effective treatment method for this condition is crucial. Medical marijuana is a hemorrhoid treatment option that can provide natural pain relief.
How Medical Marijuana Works for Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are inflamed veins in the lower rectum. Since this condition impacts the rectum, which is a highly sensitive area of the body, it can lead to debilitating pain in some patients. Patients may also experience anxiety regarding hemorrhoidal disease and may even struggle to fall asleep due to the condition. Continue reading “How Medical Marijuana Can Help Hemorrhoids”
Have you ever really thought about the stigma surrounding hemorrhoids? It is understandable that no one wants to talk about them unless they have to, just as you wouldn’t talk about your recent bowel movement during casual conversation.
But when you have to take a donut with you to work, why are you automatically ridiculed and made fun of, behind your back if not to your face? Why are we always so paranoid about what will happen if we take a pillow to work/school/etc. just because it seems embarrassing.
The bottom line is that it goes against the grain of our society to admit that such a heinous and taboo health problem even exists, much less that it is a common occurrence.Continue reading “Why the Stigma About Hemorrhoids?”
Most people are embarrassed to talk about their hemorrhoids, and they don’t even really want to go to the store and have to buy the over-the-counter medicated ointments for the purpose. In reality, about half the population has hemorrhoids at any given moment in time. Most of the time hemorrhoids clear up on their own, but sometimes you need a doctor’s assistance.
Hemorrhoids can last any amount of time. It’s really individual to the hemorrhoid. Some small hemorrhoids may heal on their own within a few days if not aggravated. Other hemorrhoids can last several days or weeks, even with over-the-counter treatment. If you have hemorrhoids that are painful and don’t resolve within a few days, you should see your doctor.Continue reading “How Long Hemorrhoids Can Last”
If you frequently have hemorrhoids, it is important to take care of yourself and make some lifestyle changes so that you are not negatively impacted by the inconvenience and pain of a hemorrhoid flare. There are some mistakes that are quite common and can cause major hemorrhoid flare ups. Here are some of those mistakes and how to avoid them.
Living a Sedentary Lifestyle
The more sedentary you are, the more likely your hemorrhoids will get much worse. When you spend most of your time sitting, you are putting pressure on the veins in the anus. This pressure leads to hemorrhoids, which are, in fact, a byproduct of a stressed vein. Take plenty of breaks to get up and walk around whenever possible.Continue reading “Mistakes that Cause Hemorrhoid Flares”
This communication is prompted by the crisis we are all facing from the coronavirus.
We are taking extra precautions in the office carefully cleansing all surfaces several times a day and after each patient visit and liberally using hand cleansers. Social distancing precautions are difficult in a medical evaluation and patients with any evidence of respiratory symptoms will be asked to wear a mask that we will provide.
If you have a cough or sore throat or even a low-grade temperature please advise us and we will ask you to wait in your car prior to your visit and we will escort you to the office when we are ready to see you. Hand shaking is discouraged and a elbow or fist bump or a polite bow will suffice.
Our main concern is your welfare and safety as we take these extra precautions.
Thanks,
David H. Shapiro, MD, FACS
Collaborative Professor of Surgery
USF Morsani College of Medicine
Hemorrhoids are actually not rare. In fact, about 50 percent of people over the age of 50 have hemorrhoids, although they can affect anyone. Often hemorrhoids do not need to be treated with anything other than over-the-counter treatments. Here are some other tips for managing hemorrhoid flare ups.
Increase Fiber
Increasing your fiber intake is the best way to combat hemorrhoids. If you are getting plenty of fiber in your diet, it will help you keep regular bowel habits. When you have regular bowel habits, the veins of the rectum are not stressed, which means that the hemorrhoid either doesn’t form at all or, in the case of a flare, it is not made more painful.Continue reading “Self-Help Tips for Hemorrhoid Flare Ups”
Your hemorrhoids finally got bad enough that you sought out specialized treatment. You got past the embarrassment of talking about your hemorrhoids to the doctor. Now you face the daunting task of getting your hemorrhoids treated.
You really don’t need to worry about your hemorrhoid treatment. No matter which treatment method Dr. Shapiro decides is best for you, the treatment itself will not be painful. You will also have no downtime and virtually no restrictions immediately after your treatment.Continue reading “Preparing for Your Hemorrhoid Treatment”
What usually sends people to the doctor is the pain and cramping that comes with IBS. Other symptoms, including hemorrhoids, often come out only as the medical practitioner interviews the patient. The abdominal pain that can be associated with IBS can be extremely painful.
Erratic Bowel Movements
If you are frequently constipated, your bowels are frequently loose, or your bowels switch constantly between the two, this is a sign that you have irritable bowel syndrome. Erratic bowel movements or sudden changes in your bowel habits can be an indicator.Continue reading “Symptoms of IBS Pain and Cramping”
Having painful or uncomfortable hemorrhoids for any period of time can be enough to send you to the doctor for treatment. Yet everyone has a busy schedule, and no one wants a treatment with significant downtime. There are several different treatments available for hemorrhoids. Here are a few of them, as well as what you can expect for recovery times.
HET Procedure
Hemorrhoid Energy Therapy, or HET, is a common treatment for bleeding or prolapsing internal hemorrhoids. This treatment only takes about 10 minutes and is completely painless. There is little to no discomfort after the procedure, and you can return to normal activity immediately.Continue reading “How Fast You Will Heal After Hemorrhoid Treatment”