Can My Hemorrhoid Pain Be Solved with Creams or Do I Need a Hemorrhoid Embolization?

Hemorrhoids form when the veins in your rectum or anus become swollen and inflamed. Anyone can get them. The most common causes are pressure during bowel movements, pregnancy, and prolonged sitting.

Whatever the cause, hemorrhoids can range from mildly uncomfortable to severely painful. 

Many people are embarrassed to discuss their symptoms with their doctors, but the truth is that understanding your treatment options is essential to finding lasting relief.

Our team at Vascular & Interventional Specialists specializes in hemorrhoid embolization in Miami, Florida, and we can help you determine if over-the-counter creams and at-home remedies are enough — or if you might benefit from professional hemorrhoid treatment.

Understanding hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen, irritated veins. They can develop internally within your rectum or externally around your anus. Common symptoms include itching, discomfort, swelling, and bleeding during bowel movements.

Hemorrhoids are common. About half of all people will experience hemorrhoids before they turn 50. 

Risk factors include: 

• Chronic constipation 
• Diarrhea
• Low-fiber diet
• Weight challenges
• Straining during bowel movements 

Pregnancy is also a contributing factor because it puts extra pressure on your heart and veins.

When to try hemorrhoid creams and at-home remedies

Many over-the-counter hemorrhoid treatments are available, including topical creams. For mild cases of hemorrhoids, these creams, ointments, and suppositories can help alleviate symptoms like itching and swelling.

Over-the-counter hemorrhoid products often contain soothing agents like hydrocortisone or witch hazel. Other at-home remedies, like taking warm sitz baths, increasing your fiber intake, and staying hydrated can also reduce irritation and promote healing.

However, while these remedies can offer temporary relief, they don’t address the underlying issue. If your hemorrhoid symptoms persist or worsen, it’s time to explore more advanced treatment options.

When to consider hemorrhoid embolization

When creams and lifestyle changes aren’t enough, professional treatments like hemorrhoid embolization can provide long-lasting relief. Hemorrhoid embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that works by blocking the blood flow to the affected veins, making them shrink and eventually resolve.

In most cases, there’s no harm in trying hemorrhoid creams first. But if your hemorrhoids are large, recurrent, or causing significant pain, talk to our team about your options.

Our interventional radiology team evaluates your symptoms, medical history, and overall health to determine if embolization is a good choice for you. 

Hemorrhoid embolization doesn’t involve incisions or a lengthy recovery period, and it can be particularly effective for those who want to avoid surgery or who haven’t found relief with other treatments.

What to expect with hemorrhoid embolization

Hemorrhoid embolization is an outpatient procedure, which means you go home shortly after it’s complete. 

During the procedure, we guide a small catheter into the arteries supplying the hemorrhoids. We inject tiny particles into the arteries to block blood flow, effectively starving the hemorrhoids of nutrients.

Most people experience significant symptom relief within a few weeks — and since embolization treats the hemorrhoids at the source, results are long-lasting.

Living with hemorrhoid pain doesn’t have to be your reality. Book a consultation at Vascular & Interventional Specialists to explore your treatment options and take the first step toward restoring your comfort. 

Call us at 305-230-4664 or request your appointment online now.