Hemorrhoids are simply an expansion and bulging of veins around the anus. We all have external and internal hemorrhoids, but modern dietary and bathroom habits have made inflamed hemorrhoids more common.
Most people will know they have hemorrhoids because of chronic (sometimes intense) itching back there. Some patients with more severe hemorrhoids may feel pain, sometimes bad enough that they can’t sit properly. Other patients may see blood in the toilet after a bowel movement, at which point visiting a colorectal specialist is necessary to rule out anal fissures, cancers, and other significant concerns.
With that said, many patients wonder whether hemorrhoids can go away on their own and what the best way of treating them might be. Let’s dive right in.
Treat early
If you are experiencing itching or pain in the anal area, it’s a good indication that you should get checked out by a qualified colorectal specialist. Of course, not everyone takes this opportunity to see their doctor immediately, so using appropriate over-the-counter creams, such as Preparation H, can help minimize discomfort. However, this will not treat the root cause. Treating hemorrhoids early reduces progression and leads to faster resolution, with a higher likelihood of success.
Is urgent care enough? The vast majority of cases will indeed end up being hemorrhoids or other benign conditions, such as an anal fissure, or simply some irritation from G.I. issues. However, on occasion, the symptoms of hemorrhoids can overlap with colorectal cancer. As such, it’s important to maintain your periodic colorectal screenings and see an appropriate specialist whenever something feels off.
Change Your Bathroom Habits
Getting back to baseline with hemorrhoids requires better bathroom habits. You may have a habit of pushing or straining during bowel movements. This is one of the most common causes of hemorrhoids. Even sitting on the toilet for an extended period can increase the risk. Try not to bring any reading material into the bathroom with you or any other distractions.
Getting More Fit
Your physical health plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of hemorrhoids. Patients who have obesity or carry a significant amount of excess weight may find that hemorrhoids are more common and take longer to resolve. Similarly, patients with metabolic disorders may require more intensive treatment. Ultimately, maintaining a metabolically healthy lifestyle makes a significant difference.
Will Hemorrhoids Go Away On Their Own?
The short answer is that, with time and proper lifestyle changes, the hemorrhoids will likely resolve on their own if you can manage the discomfort in the meantime. In that case, the interventions and lifestyle changes outlined above may help you eliminate hemorrhoids even more quickly, with some patients achieving significant relief within a matter of weeks. However, if your symptoms are particularly severe or you are not seeing any improvement after a week or so, you should be evaluated.
The Bottom Line
Be sure to manage your hemorrhoids early by combining medical advice from a colorectal specialist with improvements in your bathroom habits, diet, and exercise. Doing so will reduce the likelihood of worsening symptoms and speed up your recovery from this very annoying and sometimes debilitating concern. If you have any questions or need assistance from a colorectal specialist, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
