How to Cure Hemorrhoids
If you have ever experienced hemorrhoids in your life, then you know it is not a fun journey. However, for those who have been fortunate, here is what you need to know: while uncomfortable and painful, hemorrhoids are treatable, and as long as you take the proper steps early enough, you will not have to suffer too much. Here we will dive into learning about how to cure hemorrhoids.
But, before we go into the treatment phase, you must understand what hemorrhoids are and what causes them. Let’s have a short but essential human biology lesson!
What Are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are particularly common among people 50 and over. However, many women experience hemorrhoids during pregnancy and childbirth as well.
Hemorrhoids occur when you put extra stress on the blood vessels in your pelvic region, mainly your lower rectum and anus. When that happens, these veins and vessels swell up, causing pain and discomfort. Hemorrhoids can occur inside and outside the anus.
What Causes Hemorrhoids?
Aside from extra stress, other sources increase your chances of getting hemorrhoids, such as:
- Pregnancy.
- Older age.
- Chronic diarrhea or constipation, or long-term conditions.
- Straining during regular bowel movements.
- Family history.
What Are the Symptoms of Hemorrhoids?
Typically, itching and pain around your anus are clear signs that you may have hemorrhoids. This itchiness and pain can also become extreme, in which case, you will also experience other symptoms, including:
- Fecal leakage.
- Painful bowel movements.
- Painful swelling or itchy lump near the anus.
- Extreme itching around the anus (you may also feel itchiness inside).
- Irritation and sensitivity around the anus.
- Signs of blood after you have had a bowel movement.
There’s no doubt that these signs are scary, and you may be worried that there is something wrong. But do not fret. The best way to deal with any health problem is efficient care.
If you experience these symptoms and find yourself having black bowel movements, book an appointment with your doctor right away.
How to Treat Hemorrhoids
Once you visit your doctor, they will likely conduct a visual examination of your pelvic area, including the anus to find ways of how to cure hemorrhoids. They will also conduct an exam known as the digital rectal exam to check for abnormalities. The doctor will use a lubricated, gloved finger to check your rectum for any signs, swelling, or irritation.
If you have been diagnosed with celiac disease, gastronomical diseases, or others, they may also order additional tests, such as a colonoscopy, anoscopy, or sigmoidoscopy.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, they will begin by putting you on painkillers. They may also prescribe some fiber supplements, but if your condition is severe, they will recommend a medical procedure, such as rubber band ligation.
Treating Hemorrhoids at Home
A silver lining to the commonality of hemorrhoids is that you get plenty of home remedies.
One in particular is to soak your bottom in a sitz bath. Sitz baths are commonly recommended to soothe the posterior for after-birth pain in the perineum or period cramps. These are also useful for those who have itching and pain from hemorrhoids. The sitz bath relaxes the muscles and relieves pain in the anus, which helps ease the swollen muscles.
Anal hygiene is also crucial for those who get hemorrhoids. Use warm water before cleaning yourself with toilet paper after you defecate. Use soft toilet paper that does not scratch your skin. Wash with warm water every day or take a quick shower, but do not use soap or body wash on your anus because that may aggravate the hemorrhoids.
Also, use a cold compress if you experience excessive swelling. Place the pack right on your anus, but cover it with a cloth so the cold does not sting. Alongside, use over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and hemorrhoid or hydrocortisone cream to prevent the hemorrhoids from getting worse.
Slowly but surely, the swelling that is causing your pain will deflate and return to normal.
Treating Hemorrhoids Naturally
Natural treatment processes mainly depend on you taking the proper steps to prevent further pain.
This means doing everything you can to make your bowel movements smooth and pain-free. For that, some habits you should acquire are:
- Drinking at least two liters of water a day.
- Using the restroom as soon as you feel the pressure of a bowel movement.
- Exercising regularly or taking an energetic daily walk after a meal to prevent constipation.
- Avoid sitting in the same spot for hours at a time.
- Maintaining a dietary fiber-rich diet to prevent stomach issues.
Your everyday habits can make a world of difference for your overall health. If you want to impact your health truly, so you do not get hemorrhoids again, you must change your routine and include more movement and healthy eating, so the anal vessels and veins do not come under stress.
Otherwise, you will end up with a chronic condition, and hemorrhoids are not something you want to have long-term.
Final Thoughts
Hemorrhoids are a painful problem, one you would not wish on your worst enemies. So, why endure it yourself?
Heed our advice and get in touch with your doctor about how to cure hemorrhoids. Follow their recommendations and revise your daily schedule. Taking care of yourself now will prevent all unfortunate pain for you in the future!