I’m Embarrassed About My Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids — also referred to as piles — are swollen veins around or in your anal area. They’re similar to varicose veins that significantly bulge from your body, and they can cause symptoms like itching, pain, and rectal bleeding. 

Due to the nature of hemorrhoids, it’s easy to feel self-conscious about them. However, hemorrhoids are extremely common. They affect 1 in 20 people living in the United States and half of the population over the age of 50.

Because hemorrhoids are so common, Ven Kottapalli, MD, CNSP, and our team at GI Physicians, Inc. in Lima, Ohio, have many years of experience treating hemorrhoids discreetly and comfortably while also providing fast relief. Here’s more about the causes and symptoms of hemorrhoids and how we treat them at our clinic.

Risk factors and symptoms of hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are typically caused by extra strain put on the veins around your anus and rectum, and while anyone can get hemorrhoids, certain things can put strain on your anal and rectal veins. Some factors that can put you at higher risk for developing hemorrhoids include:

• Being pregnant
• Being overweight or obese
• Eating a low-fiber diet
• Having chronic constipation
• Straining during bowel movements

In addition, if you lift heavy objects regularly and have to strain to lift or carry them, it can put you at risk of developing hemorrhoids.

If you do have hemorrhoids, you may notice some of the following symptoms:

• Bleeding
• Discomfort or swelling around your anus
• Itching or irritation around your anus

Hemorrhoids are often uncomfortable, but symptoms typically go away on their own after a few days.

Treating hemorrhoids

If you find that your hemorrhoids aren’t going away on their own, our team offers both at-home and in-office options for treatment.

To start, we recommend trying to include high amounts of fiber in your diet, soaking in a warm bath, or taking pain relief medications to help ease your discomfort and jumpstart the healing process.

If these conservative treatments don’t work, we offer hemorrhoid banding. This treatment includes wrapping a rubber band around your hemorrhoid to cut off circulation. This causes the hemorrhoid to wither and fall off as a result. 

To get effective relief from your hemorrhoids, contact our office by giving us a call or scheduling an appointment online today.