Everyday symptoms
Hemorrhoids: Treatment That Works and When to Seek Help
Simple treatments that relieve hemorrhoids, ways to prevent them coming back and the symptoms that should always be checked.
What hemorrhoids are
Everyone has hemorrhoidal veins. They become a problem when they swell, usually from straining, constipation, long sitting on the toilet, pregnancy or heavy lifting. Internal hemorrhoids sit inside and often bleed painlessly. External ones are under the skin around the anus and can itch, ache or form a painful clot (thrombosed hemorrhoid).
Treatment that works
- Soften stools: fiber (25 to 35 grams a day), a fiber supplement and plenty of water.
- Do not strain or linger on the toilet; leave the phone outside.
- Warm sitz baths for 10 to 15 minutes, two or three times a day.
- Over-the-counter creams or wipes with witch hazel, hydrocortisone or a numbing agent, for up to a week at a time.
- Cool packs for swelling.
A small footstool under your feet on the toilet makes it easier to pass stool without straining.
When home care is not enough
If symptoms last more than a week or keep coming back, there are quick office treatments such as rubber band ligation. A very painful lump that appears suddenly may be a clotted hemorrhoid, which is sometimes best treated within the first few days.
How we can help
Talking about hemorrhoids can feel awkward, but you will not shock us. We start with a private video visit, check for other causes of bleeding, see you in person when an exam is needed, and make sure you are up to date on colon cancer screening.
Questions people ask
Is bleeding from hemorrhoids dangerous?
Small amounts of bright red blood are common with hemorrhoids, but other conditions can cause bleeding too. New rectal bleeding should be checked, especially after 45.
Do hemorrhoids go away on their own?
Many shrink within a week or two with softer stools and less straining. Persistent ones can be treated in the office.
Are hemorrhoids common in pregnancy?
Very. Fiber, fluids and sitz baths help, and most improve after delivery. Ask before using medicated creams.
Talk it through with Lydia
An awkward problem? We will make it easy to talk about. See a board-certified nurse practitioner virtually anywhere in Virginia, in our Woodbridge office, or straight to your front door in much of Northern Virginia.
Visits start at $85, and every membership comes with a 30-day trial.
Prefer to ask first? Text us at (571) 402-2102 or message us on WhatsApp.
