My Hemorrhoids Are Unbearable: What Can Be Done?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in your rectum or around your anus. They can cause itching, discomfort, and pain — and if you have hemorrhoids, you’re not alone.

This common condition affects about one in 20 American adults. But the good news is that you have a treatment option. Our team at Vascular & Interventional Specialists, located in Miami, Florida, offers hemorrhoid embolization. This minimally invasive procedure can make those hemorrhoids disappear for good.

Read on to learn more about what to do when your hemorrhoid pain feels unbearable.

What to do about painful hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. However, not all hemorrhoids are severe, and you may want to try some home remedies before seeking professional treatment.

Over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams and hydrocortisone or witch hazel ointments can temporarily relieve itching and discomfort. You might also try soaking in a warm bath for 15-20 minutes several times a day or applying cold packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time to help reduce swelling and discomfort.

Along with topical treatments, dietary changes can make a difference for hemorrhoids. A high-fiber diet can soften your stool and make bowel movements more comfortable. Drinking plenty of water helps prevent constipation, which can worsen hemorrhoids. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day.

When to go to the doctor for hemorrhoids

Home remedies can provide relief for mild hemorrhoids. But if you’re still in pain after a few days of at-home care, seeking medical attention is essential. You should go to the doctor if:

• Your symptoms persist or worsen
• You have rectal bleeding
• You have severe pain, particularly during bowel movements
• Your hemorrhoids protrude from your anus (prolapsed hemorrhoids)

Severe pain or bleeding could be a sign of a more serious issue, and going to the doctor is the only way to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan to help.

How hemorrhoid embolization can help you find relief

If your hemorrhoids persist despite at-home treatment, our Vascular & Interventional Specialists team can help you find a solution that works. We offer hemorrhoid embolization — a minimally invasive procedure that offers long-term relief from painful hemorrhoids.

We perform hemorrhoid embolization as an outpatient procedure. We use advanced imaging techniques like fluoroscopy to precisely locate the problematic blood vessels causing your hemorrhoids.

Then, we insert a small catheter into the blood vessels supplying the hemorrhoids. We embolize the vessels with small particles and/or coils to block the blood flow to block the blood flow to the hemorrhoids. By depriving the hemorrhoids of their blood supply, the procedure shrinks and gradually resolves them over time.

Hemorrhoid embolization is less invasive than traditional surgery, which helps reduce pain and recovery time. You can go home the same day, and most people experience rapid relief from their hemorrhoid symptoms. In fact, you can expect to return to all your usual activities within a few days.

The procedure carries a minimal risk of complications. And because embolization cuts off blood supply to the hemorrhoids, the results are long-lasting.

Are your hemorrhoids interfering with your quality of life? It’s time to take back control. Schedule a consultation with our Vascular & Interventional Specialists team to find out if hemorrhoid embolization is a good option for you.

Request your appointment online or call our Miami, Florida, office at 305-230-4664 today.