Hemorrhoids are most commonly caused by excessive strain. When the veins in your rectum and anus are swelling, calling it uncomfortable is an understatement, and surgery may be required in severe cases.
Thankfully, most cases don't require surgery. There are a variety of hemorrhoid non-surgical treatment options available. The best course of treatment will depend on how irritated and enlarged your hemorrhoids are. What follows is a general guide to non-surgical treatment options. And as always, consult a physician before trying anything.
Warm Water
Warm water may shrink or reduce your hemorrhoids, as well as reducing the inflammation associated with them. First, back up into the stream of water in your shower. Next, bend over slightly, spread your cheeks, and let the warm water hit your rectum and anus. It might be slightly uncomfortable at first, but eventually, the hot water will start to feel pretty good. Try doing this for five minutes.
Strain Reduction
Avoid strenuous, manual labor and exercise when possible if you have hemorrhoids. The most common cause of hemorrhoids is excessive strain, whether caused by work that you do or while you're trying to poop. On the subject of the latter, avoid flexing your PC muscles till you're on the commode. This may be leading to the inflammation that's causing your hemorrhoids.
High-Fiber Diets and Lots of Water
Try eating a diet that's high in dietary fiber. This means consuming lots of fruits and vegetables. You can also supplement what you eat with over-the-counter fiber supplements that mix with water or juice. Also, remember to drink lots of water, as the extra water in your digestive tract will help to make your stool softer, which will hopefully make trips to the bathroom easier.
Over the Counter Creams
There are numerous creams that are available over-the-counter to treat hemorrhoids. They work by causing the blood vessels in your hemorrhoids to shrink. To use them, apply them manually to the affected area while following the directions on the package.
More Serious Cases
Your doctor may want to give you an injection directly into the hemorrhoidal tissue. The chemicals in the injection cause the blood flowing to the hemorrhoids to stop, forcing the tissue to shrink. If your hemorrhoids are severe enough to need this treatment, expect several visits to the doctor.
Additionally, the physician may focus infrared light on the hemorrhoids. This heats them up and cuts off the circulation to the tissue, causing them to shrink. The great thing about this treatment is that it usually involves very little pain.
How to Approach Treating Your Hemorrhoids
First, try treating your hemorrhoids with the mild treatments listed above. If the irritation persists, consult a medical professional for more involved treatments like chemicals and infrared light.
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