How to get rid of hemorrhoids (piles)

I had my first experience with hemorrhoids when I was pregnant, and I can tell you, it was something I would rather not of had to go through! When you're pregnant you always seem to be being prodded and poked and by about 8 months gone I was feeling like a slab of meat rather than a Mom-to-be.

Enter hemorrhoids! So, not only was I worried about blood, but I had to go through the embarrassment of being a beached whale, trying to lie on my back and be examined by an old, male Doctor (he was extremely professional, and I shouldn't of felt embarrassed, but I did).

I can honestly say it was not an experience that I wanted to repeat!

Hemorrhoids (or piles as they are sometimes known) are a problem caused by veins around the anus becoming inflamed and swollen.

Internal hemorrhoids are inflamed veins inside the anus, external hemorrhoids describe inflamed veins that are just under the skin around the anus.

An internal hemorrhoid may protrude through the anus, where it becomes sore and irritated. This is known as a protruding hemorrhoid.

Hemorrhoids are not usually serious or life threatening....just extremely sore and painful!

Hemorrhoids are caused in a number of different ways. Straining on the toilet, being pregnant, constipation and unfortunately aging make them all the more likely.

Hemorrhoids are suffered by men and women. About half of the population has hemorrhoids by the age of fifty. Pregnant women are more susceptible to hemorrhoids due to the increased volume of blood and the baby squashing veins in the abdomen. Hormonal changes also cause the blood vessels to get larger. The veins are also placed under a huge strain during childbirth. For most women, however, hemorrhoids caused by pregnancy are a temporary problem, thank goodness, and usually clear up shortly after the baby is born.

Many people have hemorrhoids, but not everyone has symptoms.

The most prevalent symptom of internal hemorrhoids is bright red blood on the stool, on the toilet paper, or in the toilet itself.

Symptoms of external hemorrhoids can include painful swelling or a hard lump around the anus. This is due to blood clots being formed.

Excessive straining and wiping around the anus may cause soreness with bleeding and itching, which produces a vicious cycle of symptoms.

Treatment of hemorrhoids begins with relieving the symptoms. Things you can do to reduce symptoms include

* taking a bath several times a day in warm water for about 10 minutes
* applying a hemorrhoidal cream or inserting a hemorrhoidal suppository
* drinking chamomile tea has been reported as helpful by some people
* wearing cotton underwear can make you feel more comfortable
* an ice-pack can help to reduce the swelling

In order to stop hemorrhoids from coming back you will need to relieve the pressure and strain of constipation. Health care workers often say to increase fiber and fluid in your diet. This means eating lots of fiber and drinking between 6 and 8 glasses of fluid (not alcohol)a day. You'll get bulkier, softer stools that are easier to pass. A softer stool not only makes emptying the bowels easier, it lessens the pressure on hemorrhoids caused by straining. Stopping straining also helps to prevent the hemorrhoids from protruding.

Good sources of fiber are vegetables, fruit and whole grains. In addition, you could try a stool softener or a fiber supplement such as psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel).

In rare cases, hemorrhoids need to be treated surgically. Methods are used which shrink and destroy the hemorrhoid. The doctor will usually perform the procedure during an office or hospital visit.

A number of methods may be used to remove or reduce the size of internal hemorrhoids. These techniques include

* Rubber band ligation. A rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid whilst it's inside the rectum. The elastic band cuts off the circulation, and the hemorrhoid withers away to nothing within a few days.
* Sclerotherapy. A chemical is injected around the blood vessel which shrinks the hemorrhoid.
* Infrared coagulation. A special device is used to burn the hemorrhoidal tissue.
* Hemorrhoidectomy. Occasionally, extensive or severe internal or external hemorrhoids may require removal by surgery known as hemorrhoidectomy. This is very rare.

For more information, and to avoid an embarrassing trip to the doctors find out more about home hemorrhoid treatments