We accept Telehealth appointments. Please schedule a virtual visit here.

When Do Hemorrhoids Require Medical Intervention?

There’s nothing quite like the irritation of hemorrhoids. The swollen hemorrhoid tissue in the anus or lower rectum affects up to 75% of adults at some point. And while they aren’t always painful, they can bring severe pain and make going about your daily life and tending to your restroom needs pretty difficult.

At Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists in Parker, Colorado, proctologist Lisa A. Perryman, MD, offers nonsurgical treatment options for hemorrhoids for symptoms that are severe, recurrent, or just don’t seem to let up.

In this blog post, we explore the basics of hemorrhoids, including when to consider coming into our office for treatment.

Types of hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids vary in type and symptoms. If your hemorrhoids formed in the tissue that lines your anus and lower rectum, you have internal hemorrhoids. This type of hemorrhoid may cause no symptoms at all. In fact, they’re usually painless. In some cases, though, they lead to bleeding after you’ve had a bowel movement. 

Hemorrhoids that develop below the sensitive skin that surrounds your anus cause the most discomfort. As the skin on top of it swells, you’re likely to experience pain. The pain may be severe and arise quite suddenly. You might also notice or feel a lump near your anus.

When to see a doctor about your hemorrhoids

Some hemorrhoid symptoms remain mild and diminish on their own or with home-care steps, such as applying an over-the-counter cream or taking sitz baths. 

You can also lower your risk for future flare-ups by increasing the amount of fiber in your diet, exercising regularly, and avoid straining when you pass stool.

Signs a trip to our office might be in order include:

Hemorrhoid medical treatment

Thankfully, we can treat even severe hemorrhoid symptoms with appropriate medical care. 

At Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists, Dr. Perryman offers several pain-free nonsurgical treatments for hemorrhoids, including: 

If you have particularly large or painful hemorrhoids, Dr. Perryman may suggest surgery. During this procedure, she uses surgical techniques to remove external and internal hemorrhoids to help you experience immediate relief.

To learn more about hemorrhoid treatment or get the care you need in the greater Denver area, call us at Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists or schedule an appointment through our online booking feature.

You Might Also Enjoy...

2 Types of Hemorrhoids and What They Mean

About half of all Americans experience hemorrhoids by the time they reach the age of 50. Caused by swollen vascular tissue at the end of the digestive tract, hemorrhoids’ symptoms range from annoying to quite painful. Read on to learn more about the two ty

Anal Warts vs. Tags: How to Tell the Difference

It’s important to differentiate between anal skin tags and anal warts, as one is infectious and can be passed to others. Avoid attempting self-diagnosis and rely on the help of a physician trained in recognizing these two conditions.

Pilonidal Cyst Surgery

Repeated pilonidal infections may require surgery to resolve. Colon and rectal surgeons perform a range of surgical and non-surgical procedures to help patients with pilonidal disease.

The Link Between Diabetes and Anal Itching

Don’t hesitate to schedule a rectal exam if you’re experiencing anal itching. Certain conditions, such as diabetes, may increase your risk. Knowing about the connection can help you best manage it.

What Causes Condyloma?

In most cases, anal warts cause no pain. Still, without appropriate treatment, these painless growths, known as condyloma, can cause serious health problems. Treatment is crucial to avoid complications.