Have you noticed blood on your toilet paper? Do you feel uncomfortable pressure or itching that just won’t go away? You’re not alone. Many people deal with these symptoms but feel too embarrassed to talk about them. The good news is that internal hemorrhoids are common and treatable.
Internal hemorrhoids form inside your body, in the lower part of your rectum. This is the last section of your intestines before waste leaves your body.
You may not be able to see internal hemorrhoids, but they can still cause problems that affect your daily life.
Internal hemorrhoids usually develop when the blood vessels inside the rectum become enlarged or swollen. They’re different from external hemorrhoids. You can’t see them from the outside. And they usually don’t hurt much because this area has fewer nerves that feel pain.
Most cases are linked to ongoing pressure in the rectal area. This pressure can come from:
Symptoms can be subtle and may come and go. You may notice:
In some cases, internal hemorrhoids can push out through the anal opening. This is called prolapse. When this happens, you may feel a lump of tissue sticking out. This often happens during or after bowel movements.
These symptoms can happen with other bowel problems, too. That’s why you should never ignore them.
Your doctor will ask about your bowel habits, bleeding, pain, and any changes in your stool. They will do an exam to confirm you have hemorrhoids. They will also check to make sure the bleeding isn’t from something else. This could include polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or colorectal cancer. The exam may include:
Many internal hemorrhoids get better with simple home care. These steps help reduce pressure and let the swollen tissue heal:
If home care doesn’t help, your doctor may suggest office-based procedures. They’re usually quick and done without general anesthesia. They include:
Rubber band ligation is one of the most commonly used treatments. During the procedure, a small rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid inside the rectum. This band gently cuts off blood flow to the swollen tissue. Without a blood supply, the hemorrhoid gradually shrinks, dries up, and falls off on its own, usually within a few days. This treatment can be most effective for internal hemorrhoids that bleed or prolapse but are not severely advanced.
Infrared coagulation and sclerotherapy are two treatments done in the doctor’s office. They shrink internal hemorrhoids instead of removing them.
Infrared coagulation uses a focused burst of heat applied to the hemorrhoid tissue. This heat causes small blood vessels feeding the hemorrhoid to clot and close off. Over time, the treated tissue usually shrinks and symptoms improve.
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a chemical solution directly into the hemorrhoid. The solution irritates the blood vessel lining. This usually leads to its collapse and scarring. As the vessel closes, blood flow decreases, and the hemorrhoid becomes smaller.
Surgery is usually only for severe cases. Your doctor may suggest it if other treatments don’t work. It may also be an option if your hemorrhoids keep pushing out or bleeding a lot.
You don’t have to live with discomfort, bleeding, or worry. Internal hemorrhoids are treatable, and the sooner you get help, the easier treatment can be. Many patients feel relief after simple office procedures that take just minutes.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of internal hemorrhoids in San Antonio, don’t wait. Our team is here to help you feel better and get back to your normal life. Schedule an appointment today to discuss your symptoms and find the right treatment option for you. Call us or book online now to take the first step toward relief.
If you have not registered for the new gPortal please select the Register/Learn More button for instructions on registering.
The Patient Portal messages are only monitored during regular business hours. Please allow 24-72 hours to be contacted by a staff member.
To pay your bill online, please choose the correct option below: select the “Clinic Locations” button if you’re paying your Physician or Clinic Statement, or select the “ASC Locations” button if you’re paying your Procedure Statement at one of our Ambulatory Surgical Centers.
Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio (GCSA) is a Professional Association owned by the physicians that practice within it. GCSA’s physicians are directly involved in the management of patient services. GCSA physicians have indirect ownership interest in our Histology/Pathology, Anesthesia, Infusion and Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASC).
