In some people, hemorrhoids go away after a few days. In other cases, they can be normal.
Hemorrhoids are caused by small veins in the rectum and lower part of the rectum. They occur when blood vessels become inflamed and irritated.
Some people may need medications or medical interventions to reduce symptoms and reduce hemorrhoids.
They cause pain and make simple activities like sitting and walking uncomfortable and difficult.
In this article, you will learn more about how long hemorrhoids last, including pregnancy and postpartum, and how to get rid of them with treatment and home remedies. We also look at when to consult a doctor and recovery time.
Duration
There is no specific period for hemorrhoids. Small hemorrhoids go away without any treatment in a few days.
Large external hemorrhoids take a long time to heal and cause significant pain and discomfort. If the hemorrhoids do not disappear within a few days, it is better to see a doctor for treatment.
Risk factors for severe or recurrent hemorrhoids include:
not getting enough fiber
living a sedentary lifestyle
chronic constipation
with chronic diarrhea
straining during bowel movements
Some of the above factors make hemorrhoids difficult to heal and allow the problem to last longer.
During pregnancy
Hemorrhoids are a common problem during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester.
During pregnancy, a woman’s excess weight tightens the veins of the anus and rectum. As the uterus grows, it puts pressure on the veins near the rectum.
Hormonal changes can weaken the blood vessels in this area, making hemorrhoids more likely.
Hormonal and physical changes can cause gastrointestinal disturbances such as constipation and diarrhea, which can increase a person’s risk of developing hemorrhoids.
Read more about hemorrhoids during pregnancy here
After birth
Hemorrhoids can occur 1-2 days after childbirth. Childbirth increases the risk of developing hemorrhoids by about 8 times.
A 2022 study reported that 38% of women develop hemorrhoids after their first pregnancy; It increases after other pregnancies.
The causes of hemorrhoids after childbirth are:
The risk of developing hemorrhoids is higher in women with normal or instrumental delivery methods
protracted labor
prolonged pregnancy and the second stage of labor
Over 20 minutes of busy time
high birth weight
Treatment
Hemorrhoids treatment depends on the type and severity. In most cases, hemorrhoids heal on their own with simple lifestyle and diet changes. During this period, one should rest and avoid doing things that strain or stress the area.
A few cases of mild hemorrhoids require medication or non-surgical treatment. However, in severe cases, surgery is necessary when all other treatment methods are ineffective.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications
Hemorrhoids medications can be purchased OTC in the following forms:
oil
topical cream
gel
candles
oil
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Ointments such as phenylephrine gel (H preparation) can help relieve itching and discomfort.
There are hemorrhoid treatment options that can be purchased online. However, a person should consult their doctor before taking any treatment.
Prescription drugs
If OTC treatments have little or no effect, your doctor may prescribe a more effective cream. Some of the common prescription topical medications include:
Corticosteroids: These help reduce the inflammation of hemorrhoids. However, long-term use of corticosteroids can damage the skin.
Lidocaine: Lidocaine acts as a local anesthetic in combination with tribenozide. This combination helps to reduce inflammation and restore local blood vessels.
Phlebotonic drugs: These drugs improve the general symptoms of hemorrhoids and reduce bleeding.
Zinc Oxide: Creams containing zinc oxide can help reduce rectal itching that can be caused by hemorrhoids.
People who often have complications such as hemorrhoids or blood in the stool should consult a doctor. A doctor may recommend alternative treatments or perform tests to rule out an underlying cause.
Non-surgical treatment
Non-surgical treatments include:
Rubber Banding: This procedure involves placing a rubber band at the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off the blood supply. It reduces hemorrhoids and makes them fall.
Infrared photocoagulation: This is a device that focuses infrared light on the hemorrhoids. Infrared heat inhibits blood supply and causes hemorrhoids to shrink.
Sclerotherapy: This procedure involves injecting a solution into the hemorrhoids that blocks the blood supply and causes them to shrink.
Electrocoagulation: In this procedure, doctors use a device that sends electrical signals to the hemorrhoid.
cut off blood supply and shrink them.
Surgical treatments
Only a few people with severe hemorrhoids undergo surgery. Doctors recommend surgery only when all other treatments have been unsuccessful. The surgical treatments include hemorrhoidectomy and hemorrhoid stapling.
During a hemorrhoidectomy, a doctor uses an anesthetic to remove external or prolapsed internal hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoid stapling involves a doctor using a stapling tool to remove internal hemorrhoid tissue and pull a prolapsing internal hemorrhoid into the anus. This procedure also requires an anesthetic.