Do Hemorrhoids Go Away on Their Own?

The pain, itching, and rectal bleeding associated with hemorrhoids are not anything anyone wants to endure. The good news is that these swollen veins inside the rectum or outside the anus often resolve on their own within a few days. 

For some people, however, hemorrhoids become a chronic or recurrent problem. They may even cause pain and interfere with daily activities like walking and sitting.

Our team here at Lakeland Surgical Clinic, PLLC evaluates problematic hemorrhoids that persist and can help you create a treatment plan involving lifestyle changes, medications, or medical procedures, so you find relief. 

Why did I develop hemorrhoids?

Anyone can get hemorrhoids, but they’re usually associated with:

• A diet low in fiber
• Weight challenges
• Pregnancy
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Spending a long time on the toilet
• Straining to pass stool
• Anal intercourse
• Aging and deterioration of the muscles in the anal/rectal areas
• Overuse of laxatives or enemas

Often, you need to resolve the underlying cause of your hemorrhoids to eliminate them. For example, adding more fiber to your diet can improve constipation and help you strain less when defecating. As a result, you get less irritation of the veins in the anus and rectum, and the hemorrhoids heal. 

How long do hemorrhoids last?

Hemorrhoids don’t have a specific healing time frame. Smaller ones can clear up without any treatment within just a few days. Large, external hemorrhoids often require more time to heal and can cause significant pain and discomfort in the meantime.

If you have hemorrhoids that don’t improve within a few days, consult with us here at Lakeland Surgical Clinic, PLLC. We can advise you on the best ways to manage symptoms. Definitely come in if you are also experiencing blood in your stool along with the hemorrhoids. 

Bright red blood is likely due to the direct irritation and will resolve when your hemorrhoids do. 

But, you should be especially concerned if you have darker blood as it could indicate a problem farther up your digestive tract. 

What heals hemorrhoids?

Lifestyle habits go a long way in relieving hemorrhoid pain and helping them heal. We suggest:

• Avoid delaying a bowel movement when you feel the urge
• Propping your legs up on a stool while you use the restroom
• Showering regularly and washing the anal area after each bowel movement
• Sitting on ice packs
• Taking a sitz bath
• Exercising regularly to keep your bowels moving

For many people, over-the-counter creams or gels help relieve itching and discomfort as the hemorrhoids heal on their own. We may be able to prescribe more powerful topical treatments if these over-the-counter options are ineffective.

If you have persistent hemorrhoids or they recur often, you may need more intensive medical treatments. We may suggest:

Rubber band ligation

This nonsurgical procedure involves placing a small, tight band around the hemorrhoid to cut off the blood supply. As a result, it falls off.

Sclerotherapy

We inject a chemical medication into the hemorrhoid, and it shrinks. 

Surgical removal

This is a more invasive hemorrhoid treatment and is only advised when other interventions fail. Surgery is effective and usually prevents hemorrhoids from returning. 

If hemorrhoids are interfering with your daily life, the team at Lakeland Surgical Clinic, PLLC, is ready to help. Call the office or use this website to set up an appointment today.