Do Hemorrhoids Go Away on Their Own?

Hemorrhoids are nothing more than swollen veins; they crop up in a sensitive spot — your anus. The private nature of the location makes some people avoid the topic and avoid seeking help, but the truth is hemorrhoids are quite common. At some point in time, one in 20 Americans experiences the problem. 

Dr. Ayub Hussain at Northside Gastroenterology Associates in Cypress and Houston, Texas, specializes in gut issues, including hemorrhoids. But he also understands that talking about hemorrhoids can be almost as uncomfortable as the problem itself. Rest assured that if you need medical treatment for hemorrhoids, Dr. Hussain provides a discreet, safe, respectful environment where you can get help without sacrificing your pride.

Meanwhile, it’s good to know that you may be able to get rid of hemorrhoids at home. Here are some tips to try before you seek medical treatment.

Take a sitz bath

A sitz bath is a small soak just for your hemorrhoids. You can purchase a sitz tub that fits over your toilet seat or fill your bathtub with a couple of inches of water just high enough to immerse the affected area. Add some Epsom salts to the water to help reduce pain and inflammation.

Apply a cold compress

Ice reduces pain and inflammation from hemorrhoids, just as it does for a sprained ankle. Don’t apply ice directly to the hemorrhoids; wrap it in a paper towel or thin cloth and hold on to the affected area for 15 minutes at a time.

Use topical treatments

Your local drugstore carries several products that may ease your hemorrhoid symptoms. In addition to these prepared treatments, you can also try the following: 

• Aloe vera
• Witch hazel
• Coconut oil
• Tea tree oil

These are also available at your drugstore and may relieve the pain and itching associated with bulging external hemorrhoids.

Soften your stool

Excess pressure during a bowel movement is one of the main causes of hemorrhoids, so doing what you can to prevent straining when you go can ease your discomfort and help your hemorrhoids go away. 

The key is to avoid constipation. Try an over-the-counter stool softener and eat more fiber to facilitate a pressureless bowel movement.

When to seek medical help for hemorrhoids

In many cases, hemorrhoids go away on their own with a bit of self-help. However, some hemorrhoids need professional treatment. Here are some signs you should call Dr. Hussain.

You have rectal bleeding

Although bleeding is common with hemorrhoids, it can also indicate other more serious health conditions. It’s best to have Dr. Hussain examine you to identify the source of the bleeding.

Your symptoms are getting worse

Home remedies should reduce the pain and swelling within a week. If your symptoms persist or worsen, Dr. Hussain can treat them immediately and prevent future flare-ups. 

Dr. Hussain uses the most advanced technology and techniques to treat stubborn hemorrhoids, including

• Rubber band ligation to choke off the hemorrhoid
• Infrared coagulation to destroy the hemorrhoid
• Sclerotherapy to cut off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid

If your hemorrhoids aren’t going away on their own, book an appointment with Dr. Hussain online or by phone and put an end to the pain and itching for good.