Are Hemorrhoids Normal? When to See a Doctor for a Hemorrhoid Embolization

It’s normal for hemorrhoids to itch, bleed, and hurt. However, it’s not normal to live with them. Unfortunately, many people do.

If you’re one of the 10 million Americans dealing with hemorrhoids, you want fast relief and may wonder whether you need a doctor’s help.

Our team of specialists at Minimally Invasive Medical Group helps people throughout Southern California understand why hemorrhoids develop, how to prevent them, and how to recognize the signs that medical intervention is necessary.

Hemorrhoids aren’t normal, but they are common

While hemorrhoids are common, they’re not considered “normal.” They’re sources of pain and bleeding, and there’s nothing normal about that. The good news is that they usually occur due to specific conditions and lifestyle factors, so you can prevent and treat them.

Why hemorrhoids are so prevalent

Hemorrhoids are prevalent because the conditions that cause them are common. 

Hemorrhoids develop when the veins around your anus or lower rectum become swollen and inflamed. Several factors contribute to this condition:

• Straining during bowel movements, often due to constipation
• Prolonged sitting increases pressure on the veins in your rectum and anus
• Pregnancy increases pressure on your pelvic blood vessels 
• Obesity increases the pressure on your rectal veins
• A low-fiber diet can lead to constipation

All these issues contribute to hemorrhoid development. 

Even aging can exacerbate the problem. As you age, the tissues supporting the veins in the rectum and anus naturally weaken, making hemorrhoids more common in older adults.

Why hemorrhoids aren’t “normal”

Hemorrhoids aren’t “normal” because they aren’t a natural part of healthy bodily function. They indicate underlying issues like poor dietary habits, bowel issues, or other health conditions. 

When to see a doctor about hemorrhoids

While some hemorrhoids resolve on their own, others require medical attention. Here are signs that you should see us about your hemorrhoids:

Persistent pain and discomfort

If you experience continuous pain, itching, or discomfort in your anal area, it’s time to seek our medical advice. Over-the-counter treatments may not be enough to alleviate your symptoms.

Bleeding

Bleeding during bowel movements is a common symptom of hemorrhoids. However, it can also indicate other conditions. If you notice blood in your stool or on toilet paper, schedule an appointment with us to rule out more serious issues.

Prolapsed hemorrhoids

Prolapsed hemorrhoids extend outside the anus and can cause significant discomfort and hygiene issues. If you have prolapsed hemorrhoids that don’t retract on their own, call us.

Thrombosed hemorrhoids

Thrombosed hemorrhoids occur when a blood clot forms within the hemorrhoid, leading to severe pain and swelling. This condition often requires prompt medical treatment.

Minimally invasive hemorrhoid embolization

There are several ways to treat hemorrhoids, including rubber band ligation and hemorrhoidectomy. That said, both are somewhat invasive and require some downtime.

We offer a more conservative yet highly effective option: hemorrhoid embolization.

During the hemorrhoid embolization procedure, we insert a catheter into the blood vessels feeding the hemorrhoids. Then, we release tiny particles to block the vessels, cutting off blood flow and causing the hemorrhoids to shrink.

Benefits of hemorrhoid embolization

We often recommend hemorrhoid embolization over other treatments because it is:

• Minimally invasive: requires no incisions, resulting in less pain and a quicker recovery
• Effective: provides long-term relief by targeting the blood supply
• Convenient: done on an outpatient basis, so you can go home the same day

Just because hemorrhoids are common doesn’t mean they’re normal, and it doesn’t mean you’re stuck with them.  

Call Minimally Invasive Medical Group or book online to schedule a consultation with one of our hemorrhoid embolization specialists and get rid of those annoying “abnormal” hemorrhoids for good.