Hemorrhoids are painful, embarrassing veins that bulge out of the rectal walls and from the anus. The expert gastroenterologist at Stomach Pain NY in Midtown East, New York City, has extensive experience in helping people recover from the discomfort of hemorrhoids, using both medical and minimally invasive surgical treatments. If you have hemorrhoids, call Stomach Pain NY today to arrange a consultation, or book an appointment using the online tool.

Hemorrhoids

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids, or piles, are blood vessels in the anus and rectum that bulge outward and downward, and sometimes out of the anus. These blood vessels get irritated and swollen, causing pain that can become severe, especially when sitting or going to the toilet. Hemorrhoids can also cause bleeding from the rectum.

Hemorrhoids typically develop due to causes such as:

  • Straining on the toilet
  • Sitting on the toilet for a long time
  • Having chronic diarrhea or constipation
  • Being obese
  • Pregnancy
  • Eating a low-fiber diet
  • Having a generally unhealthy, inactive lifestyle

Hemorrhoids are a common condition that affects people from all walks of life, but there’s a range of effective medical and surgical treatments available at Stomach Pain NY to resolve your hemorrhoid problem.

How can I stop new hemorrhoids from developing?

Hemorrhoids are often due to preventable causes, so there are many ways to help avoid them in the future, such as:

  • Eating more high-fiber foods
  • Eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Drinking plenty of fluids — at least 6-8 glasses of water each day
  • Taking a fiber supplement to keep stools regular and softer
  • Staying fit and active
  • Losing any excess weight
  • Avoiding long periods of sitting still

You should also go to the toilet as soon as you feel the urge, avoid straining when you’re on the toilet, and not stay on the toilet longer than necessary.

What treatments are available for hemorrhoids?

There are several medical options available for treating hemorrhoids, which aim to block the blood flow through the affected vessel or shrink the hemorrhoid so that blood has to travel through other, healthier veins. When the blood is no longer flowing through it, the vein shrivels and dies, and the hemorrhoid disappears.

Methods commonly used at Stomach Pain NY include:

  • Sclerotherapy
  • Infrared coagulation (IRC)
  • Rubber band ligation 

These procedures generally cause very little discomfort for most patients, and there’s no downtime involved. Some patients might find rubber band ligation a little more uncomfortable, and it can cause slight bleeding, but patients are typically back to normal within a week. 

If medical treatments aren’t achieving the desired results, there are also several minimally invasive surgical options available at Stomach Pain NY, including:

  • Transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD)
  • Procedure for prolapsing hemorrhoids (PPH) or stapled hemorrhoidopexy
  • Hemorrhoidectomy

These options are suitable for patients who have severe hemorrhoids that aren’t responding to less invasive approaches.

Stomach Pain NY provides expert support and treatment to help you get rid of your hemorrhoids, so call the practice today or book an appointment online.