Whatever the cause of your bleeding hemorrhoids – being overweight, pregnant, not eating well, dealing with diarrhea – you’ve discovered that you have them. So now what do you do? Go to the doctor? Go out and buy some medication? It actually depends on the severity of the problem. There are plenty of things you can try first before ever speaking with a doctor and if you do need a physician’s help, there are plenty of options other than surgery.
Once you’ve established that you have a bleeding hemorrhoid problem, look into ways of keeping them from getting worse. Drink plenty of fluids, improve your diet, and don’t stand or sit in one position for very long. These are the basics of dealing with the issue. There are also several home treatments that you can try. Sitting in a warm bath for about 15 minutes can help to relieve you of symptoms, such as itching and discomfort. You can try a combination of cold and warm compresses to help with swelling as well as itching.
Make sure you keep the area dry after using the bathroom as well as after sitting in the bathwater and shower. When you do dry the area, avoid rubbing it as this will only further irritate the skin. Look to using softer cloths and dab or pat the area dry. If these methods help, but don’t completely alleviate your symptoms, a visit to the drugstore can get you medicated creams or suppositories meant specifically for bleeding hemorrhoids. These will both help medicate the area as well as provide lubrication for future bowel movements. Read the labels so you have all the information on the risks and how to properly use them.
A little rest and relaxation can also help. Avoid sitting and instead try laying on your side or on your stomach. Give your body a chance to let the blood drain from the area and have a little extra time to let the swelling go down. The body can heal remarkably on its own when given the chance and if you perform some of the above treatments, it may happen quicker.
Should the problem blood vessel get to the point that it is actually coming out of the anus, even when you are not using the bathroom, if it is very painful, or if there are more than one and they are simply not going away, then a call to your doctor is probably in order. Your doctor will be able to provide you with information on various nonsurgical procedures, such as how they are performed, what the risks are, and what you can expect afterward.
With careful attention, you should be able to clear up the problem on your own. Only when things become very painful and serious should surgery be considered. Your doctor should be more than happy to provide you with all the information in order to set your mind at ease, but in all likelihood, you’ll be fine within a couple of weeks.