Hemorrhoids Specialist

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are dilated veins in your rectum or anus. This vein swelling can cause a variety of troublesome and highly uncomfortable issues. 

Internal hemorrhoids occur inside your rectum, where they're not visible, while external hemorrhoids occur outside your rectum, bordering your anus. External hemorrhoids are the most painful type, as you have very sensitive nerves in this area. 

If blood collects within an external hemorrhoid, you can develop a hard lump there. Hemorrhoids can also bulge out (prolapse), particularly during bowel movements. 

About three-quarters of people experience hemorrhoids occasionally, and most go away on their own. In some cases, however, the hemorrhoids persist and require treatment. 

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids can cause anal area symptoms such as:

• Bleeding during bowel movements
• Pain
• Itchiness
• Soreness
• Swelling
• Hard lump 

Hemorrhoids can make you uncomfortable virtually around the clock if untreated. Everything from sitting to standing to having a bowel movement can be difficult. But Dr. Asgeri offers a variety of targeted solutions for hemorrhoids that can help.

What causes hemorrhoids?

In many cases hemorrhoids run in families. But you may also develop hemorrhoids because of:

• Straining or pushing during bowel movements 
• Spending extended time sitting on the toilet
• Being overweight or obese
• Being pregnant
• Having chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Having anal intercourse
• Frequent heavy physical labor

Nearly anything that increases pressure in your lower rectum can potentially cause or contribute to hemorrhoids. 

How are hemorrhoids diagnosed?

Dr. Asgeri can diagnose hemorrhoids with a physical exam and review of your symptoms. Depending on your medical history and symptoms, Dr. Asgeri may also perform a colonoscopy to make sure your symptoms aren't related to another disease, such as colon cancer, rectal cancer, or Crohn's disease.  

How are hemorrhoids treated?

In-office hemorrhoid treatments at Oasis Advanced Gastroenterology can include laser treatments and banding to interrupt blood flow to the vein. This leads to hemorrhoid withering.

In some cases, you may need surgical hemorrhoid removal (hemorrhoidectomy) or, for thrombosed hemorrhoids, blood clot removal (thrombectomy). Dr. Asgeri uses cutting-edge minimally invasive approaches for most hemorrhoid treatments, which means less downtime and pain during recovery.

To learn more about the advanced hemorrhoid treatments available today, call Oasis Advanced Gastroenterology or click on the online appointment maker now.