Uncomfortable While Sitting? It May Be Time to Take Care of That Hemorrhoid

There’s little like the discomfort and pain of an inflamed or bleeding hemorrhoid. While you can develop these swollen veins without experiencing symptoms, large hemorrhoids and those that form near the outside of your anus commonly fuel significant discomfort.

Hemorrhoids that linger, recur, or worsen can even make it difficult to sit on a chair with ease. In such cases, medical treatment can go far. 

At his Midtown Manhattan practice, double board-certified radiologist Dr. Yosef Golowa specializes in hemorrhoidal artery embolization, which shrinks and destroys bothersome hemorrhoids without the need for surgery.

If your hemorrhoid symptoms are interfering with your daily life, read on to learn about effective solutions.

Hemorrhoid basics

Hemorrhoids affect about 1 in 20 Americans, and half of adults over age 50, placing them among the most common below-the-belt complaints. And they’re similar to varicose veins that commonly form in the legs. 

Anything that places strain on the veins in or around your rectum can lead to hemorrhoids. While anyone can develop them, factors that raise your risk include eating a low-fiber diet, chronic dehydration, carrying excess weight, and regularly lifting heavy objects. Pregnancy, constipation, and straining during bowel movements may also contribute.

Hemorrhoids commonly cause pain and discomfort, especially when you’re passing a bowel movement or sitting. They can also cause itchiness, hard lumps around your anus, and rectal bleeding.

Getting hemorrhoid relief

A range of treatments can help ease hemorrhoid pain and discomfort. Your ideal option will depend on the specifics of your symptoms and your overall health.

Common hemorrhoid treatments include:

• Pain medication, such as aspirin
• Topical creams
• Warm sitz baths, for 10-20 minutes per day
• Minimally invasive procedures, such as hemorrhoidal embolization
• Surgery

You can also lower your risk for hemorrhoid pain by eating a high-fiber diet and drinking plenty of hydrating fluids. When lifestyle measures fail to suffice, or if your symptoms are severe or long-lasting, it’s time to seek medical care.

How hemorrhoidal embolization helps

Hemorrhoidal embolization reduces blood flow to internal hemorrhoids. That limited blood supply causes hemorrhoids to shrink and stop bleeding. 

During the procedure, Dr. Golowa puts a thin catheter into a blood vessel in your groin. Guided with fluoroscopy, a special X-ray device, he then places tiny gel particles, platinum coils, or both in the ends of the problematic arteries to seal them. 

Hemorrhoidal embolization is painless and typically takes about 45 minutes. Afterward, you can go home to rest. By the next day, you should be able to return to your usual activities.

To learn more about hemorrhoids or find out if you’re a candidate for hemorrhoidal embolization, call our office or book an appointment with Dr. Golowa through our website today.