Hemorrhoids are very common. About 50 percent of the adult population will have hemorrhoids at some point before the age of 55. There are a lot of over the counter and at-home remedies for hemorrhoids that at times can be very effective. You may be embarrassed to see your doctor about hemorrhoids, but there are some cases when it is necessary to do so.
Over the Counter Treatments Not Effective
If you have hemorrhoids and have been using over the counter treatments for over one week without relief of symptoms, it is likely time to visit a doctor. Hemorrhoids can lead to serious health conditions if left untreated. It is important that you relieve your symptoms, not just for your comfort but your overall health. If over the counter treatments do not offer any relief in a short period of time, you should see a doctor for additional treatment options.
Bleeding
Any type of bleeding from the anus is a cause for concern. If you notice red on the toilet paper after you use the bathroom, see red in the toilet, or notice black or tarry looking stools, you will need to see a doctor fairly quickly. These are signs that hemorrhoids have led to a bursting of the blood vessels, and could also be a sign of internal hemorrhoids and bleeding. When bleeding is severe enough to cause lightheadedness and shows no sign of stopping, this is a medical emergency and requires a trip to the emergency room.
Chronic Cases
If you have chronic hemorrhoids, you may want to seek additional treatment options. Even if over the counter treatments are effective in the short term, continuous and frequent problems with hemorrhoids could require a stronger treatment option. If your hemorrhoids seem to come and go, and you have been dealing with them for some time, you should see a doctor to learn the root causes of the problem and get additional treatments.
If you have hemorrhoids that are not responding well to at-home treatments, contact us today for an appointment.