From at-home symptom management to surgical removal, there are many options for treating hemorrhoids. Non-surgical professional treatments may involve banding, laser removal or other forms of coagulation. With so many options, you may wonder which one is right for you. Fortunately, treatment decisions are usually based on several simple factors, so they are relatively easy to make when you have all the necessary information.
Location of the Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are classified as either internal or external. Both internal and external have at-home options for managing symptoms, which include soothing pads, keeping the area clean and dry, and dietary changes to promote healthy bowel movements. However, when it comes to professional removal treatments, the location will usually determine which option is available to you. Internal hemorrhoids can be treated with non-surgical methods whereas external hemorrhoids usually need surgical treatment. It is important to note that sometimes internal hemorrhoids can be mistaken for external, so a doctor's examination can be helpful.
Size of the Hemorrhoids
Many people assume that a bigger hemorrhoid is a bigger problem. However, larger hemorrhoids often have more non-surgical treatment options than their smaller counterparts. Larger hemorrhoids can safely be banded or coagulated whereas smaller ones may be more painful and difficult to remove with these non-surgical options.
Discomfort and Irritation Levels
Some people live with hemorrhoids for several years because they can be managed by lifestyle and diet changes and flare ups can be cared for with over-the-counter creams and pads. However, if your hemorrhoids are uncomfortable or painful or if you get regular flare ups, you will probably want to look into professional services to have them removed. Painful hemorrhoids can be removed by both non-surgical and surgical methods, depending on their location and size.
Your Health
If you have certain health conditions, you most likely will not be able to have your hemorrhoids removed by surgical or non-surgical methods. These includes things like bleeding disorders, taking blood thinners, rectal prolapse, anal fissures, Crohn's disease, cirrhosis of the liver, or irritable bowel syndrome. It is important to disclose your health history and current medications to your doctor when discussing your options for removal. In these cases, you may need more aggressive at-home symptom management as opposed to removal.
Once your doctor knows more about your hemorrhoids through your description of symptoms and a physical examination, you can decide what the best treatment option will be together. The ultimate goal should be making you comfortable and pain free in the least invasive manner possible.
For more information about hemorrhoid treatment options, talk to professionals in your area like those at The Oregon Hemorrhoid Clinic.