Can Hemorrhoids Disappear on Their Own?

Hemorrhoids are a common, but occasionally painful, ailment in which the veins around the anus or the lower section of the rectum swell and inflame. They might be internal or exterior. Internal hemorrhoids develop within the anus, beneath the lining. External hemorrhoids are coated with sensitive skin and develop around the anus.

Internal hemorrhoids are normally painless unless they prolapse, which means they move down from their normal position. Sometimes the only way to know whether you have internal hemorrhoids is to find bright red blood on toilet paper after a bowel movement. External hemorrhoids, on the other hand, might cause rectal bleeding or pain while sitting. They may feel like hard, bloated, or sensitive lumps to the touch.

Hemorrhoid affects around one in every twenty Americans, and almost half of all persons over the age of fifty. Hemorrhoids grow more frequent as we age because the supporting tissues in the anus and rectum weaken and become more susceptible to pressure. Pregnancy, severe constipation, straining during bowel motions, and prolonged sitting on the toilet can all damage these tissues.

Are Hemorrhoids a Severe Condition?

Hemorrhoids are unpleasant and occasionally painful, although they are normally harmless. Hemorrhoids seldom cause major health problems, although they might recur if the underlying reasons are not treated. 

Do Hemorrhoids Disappear on Their Own?

Hemorrhoids last different amounts of time depending on the individual. Small hemorrhoids usually go away on their own within a few days and do not require treatment. Larger hemorrhoids, on the other hand, will not go away on their own and must be treated. Itching, discomfort, and swelling are typical symptoms of hemorrhoids. 

Hemorrhoids in pregnant women often go away after childbirth. Hemorrhoids might recur after being treated. If this happens, speak with your doctor about your choices for prevention or removal.

Can Hemorrhoids Be Prevented?

Hemorrhoids can be avoided by keeping your stools soft. A fiber-rich diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can soften the stool and increase its size, allowing you to have bowel movements without straining. 

If your diet does not include enough fiber, you can take fiber supplements. Drinking lots of water and other drinks might also assist to soften your stools.

When having a bowel movement, avoid straining. Straining increases pressure on the veins in the lower rectum, making hemorrhoids more likely to occur. Similarly, you should avoid sitting for extended periods of time.

What Are the Treatments For Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids may often be treated at home using over-the-counter medications. Sitting in a Sitz bath many times each day might also help reduce hemorrhoidal discomfort. If you have bigger hemorrhoids or if home cures fail, there are a few minimally invasive procedures available to help you get rid of them.

• Sclerotherapy 

It is a procedure in which a doctor injects a salt solution into an internal hemorrhoid, causing scar tissue to develop and cutting off blood flow. This shrinks the hemorrhoid;

• Rubber band ligation

A doctor wraps a specific rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid, cutting off the blood flow. This causes the banded portion of the hemorrhoid to shrink and fall off;

• Infrared photocoagulation

A doctor shines infrared light on a hemorrhoid, causing scar tissue to develop and cutting off blood flow. Electrocoagulation is a technique that employs an electrical current;

• Hemorrhoidectomy 

It is a surgical procedure in which a doctor removes a hemorrhoid using a scalpel (with or without scissors). If there are several hemorrhoids, the operation may need to be repeated. If the incision is difficult to close due to its position, the doctor may leave it open or seal it with a suture. The treatment is done under anesthesia, and most patients return home the same day. Only 10% of hemorrhoids require surgical treatment;

• Hemorrhoidopexy

Often known as stapling, it is a surgery used under anesthesia to cure prolapsed hemorrhoids. The doctor uses a surgical stapler to reposition the prolapsed hemorrhoid within your rectum and cut off the blood supply.

When Should I Visit the Doctor?

Hemorrhoids are quite common and not to feel ashamed of. If you are suffering rectal bleeding or have pain and discomfort in the rectum or anus, you should see your doctor. If you've been taking over-the-counter medicines for more than a week and haven't seen any results, you should see your doctor. Discuss any other symptoms you may be experiencing with your doctor.