It's True! More than ten million people visit a physician in the US each year with symptoms of hemorrhoids. Three out of four people will develop hemorrhoids at some time in their lives. While many people associate hemorrhoids with painful surgery, only a small percentage of patients actually require surgery. New comfortable office treatments have taken the fear out of hemorrhoids. This information has been prepared to help you understand them.

Most hemorrhoidal conditions, which are manifested by anorectal discomfort with or without rectal bleeding, are frequently managed successfully by increasing the water intake in diet as well as increased fiber. Fiber supplements such as psyllium can be used to increase one's dietary fiber intake. IRC is a widely accepted modality for the treatment of hemorrhoids, however, therapeutic interventions should follow conservative treatment. As with all cases of rectal pain and bleeding, the exclusion of cancer is paramount.

What are Hemorrhoids and who gets them?
Hemorrhoids are swelling in the rectum or anal area that may protrude through the anus on straining. They usually contain enlarged veins and are most common in people over the age of 50.

What are the Symptoms of Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids can often be felt as a swelling in the area of the anus. There may be soreness, bleeding, discharge or itching.

What causes Hemorrhoids?
We don't know for sure, but hemorrhoids are often found in people who either sit or stand a lot or who have low fiber diets or poor bowel habits.

Are Hemorrhoids Preventable?
No one knows for sure. Avoid straining or extensive sitting on the toilet. A diet rich in fluids, fruits, vegetables and fiber is desirable. If symptoms develop, see your doctor without delay.

Are There Different Kinds Of Hemorrhoids?
Yes. "Internal" hemorrhoids develop inside the anus. The most common symptoms are bleeding during bowel movements or protrusion through the anus upon straining. "External" hemorrhoids develop around the anus and can be very painful, especially if a blood clot develops within them. They can be felt as a firm lump or lumps around the anus.

How Are Hemorrhoids Treated?
When treated early, hemorrhoids usually disappear within a week or two. By increasing fiber and fluids in your diet, your stool will soften thereby promoting more regular bowel movements. It also helps to eliminate excessive straining and to take warm baths. Most painful external hemorrhoids will responds to rest and warm sitz baths. Within a week the pain should subside. The firm lump should completely recede within 4-6 weeks. If pain is severe, the physician may decide to make a small incision under anesthesia and remove the clot to provide immediate relief.

What Is Rubber Band Ligation?
Internal hemorrhoids can be treated in the doctor's office by ligation. A small rubber band is placed around the tissue above the hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply. The hemorrhoidal tissue and band slough off a few days later and the sore that is left will heal. This method produces mild discomfort and slight bleeding.

What Is Infrared Coagulation?
Infrared Coagulation(IRC) is the most widely used office treatment for hemorrhoids and is preferred over other methods because it is fast, well-tolerated by patients, and virtually problem free. A small probe contacts the area above the hemorrhoid, exposing the tissue to a burst of infrared light for about one second. This coagulates the veins above the hemorrhoid causing it to shrink and recede. The patient may feel a sensation of heat very briefly, but it is generally not painful. Therefore anesthetic is usually not required.

Are There After Affects?
Generally not. Most patients return to a normal lifestyle the same day. There may be slight spot bleeding a few days later. Heavy straining or lifting should be avoided and aspirin should not be taken for a few days.

How Many Visits Are Required?
Many patients have more than one hemorrhoid. Therefore, most physicians recommend two or three visits at two week intervals, treating a different portion of the hemorrhoid tissue each visit.

Will The Hemorrhoids Come Back?
Millions of patients have been treated with IRC. Experience tells us that hemorrhoids treated with IRC generally do not recur. A sensible diet, moderate exercise and proper bowel habits will also help.