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Hemorrhoids
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In order to treat your hemorrhoids, consult with one of our board-certified doctors online today to prescribe medications to get relief from itching and discomfort. Get a new prescription to treat hemorrhoids or refill an existing prescription today.*
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Approximately three out of four adults experience hemorrhoids
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*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor's discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how to save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of hemorrhoid. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Learn about hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are a common problem. According to Mayo Clinic, nearly three out of four adults experience hemorrhoids at some point.
Hemorrhoids can develop inside the lower rectum (internal hemorrhoids) or under the skin around the anus (external hemorrhoids). Swollen veins can cause mild pain, anal itching, and bleeding.
Internal hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids occur inside the rectum. Most of the time, you cannot see or feel an internal hemorrhoid, and they rarely cause pain or discomfort. However, irritation when passing stool may cause painless bleeding. Prolapsed internal hemorrhoids can cause pain and irritation.
External hemorrhoids
External hemorrhoids involve swollen veins underneath the skin around the anus. External hemorrhoids can be itchy and painful, and they may fill with blood that can clot. Like internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids can prolapse.
Hemorrhoid causes
The veins around the anus tend to stretch under pressure, leading to bulging or swelling. Any sort of straining that increases the pressure on your body's lower extremities can cause swollen anal and rectal veins.
Hemorrhoids may occur due to:
Increased pelvic pressure from weight gain, especially during pregnancy
Straining during bowel movements due to constipation
Straining to lift heavy objects or weightlifting
Sitting on the toilet for long periods
Eating a low-fiber diet
Hemorrhoid symptoms
Internal hemorrhoids rarely cause pain (and typically cannot be felt) until the internal hemorrhoid prolapses. As a result, many people with internal hemorrhoids do not know that they have hemorrhoids due to the lack of symptoms.
If you have symptoms of internal hemorrhoids, you may notice bright red blood on toilet paper, in stool, or in the toilet bowl. These are signs of rectal bleeding.
The symptoms of external hemorrhoids include:Anal itching
Hard lumps near the anus that feel sore or tender
Pain or aching in the anus, especially when you sit
Rectal bleeding
How to treat hemorrhoids
Most hemorrhoids go away on their own without treatment. Most symptoms, including mild pain and bleeding, may last one week. Fortunately, at-home treatment options can provide pain relief. Some common at-home hemorrhoid treatments include:
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Eating more fiber or taking a fiber supplement. Try to eat at least 20–35 grams of fiber daily.
Soaking in a warm bath (sitz bath) for 10–20 minutes a day.
Using toilet paper with lotion or flushable wet wipes to clean after pooping.
If your symptoms do not improve, your healthcare may recommend a medical procedure to treat your hemorrhoid, such as:
Rubber band ligation: During rubber band ligation, a small rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid and cuts off blood supply to the swollen vein.
Electrocoagulation: An electric current stops blood flow to the hemorrhoid.
Hemorrhoid stapling: A stapling instrument removes an internal hemorrhoid. Hemorrhoid stapling can also pull prolapsed hemorrhoids back inside the anus.
Hemorrhoid medication
If your symptoms get worse or interfere with your daily life, talk to your healthcare provider. Your doctor may recommend further treatment with:
Prescription-strength steroid creams
Your doctor may prescribe prescription steroid creams to relieve itching and pain, such as:
Anusol-AC
Protocort
Ana-Lex
Rectiv
Over-the-counter options
If you experience mild discomfort, your doctor may suggest over-the-counter creams, ointments, or suppositories to relieve itching. These products contain ingredients such as witch hazel, hydrocortisone, and lidocaine.
In addition, you may take OTC pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, to relieve hemorrhoid pain.
How to prevent hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids become more common with age, but simple lifestyle changes can help prevent hard stools and constipation:
Avoid sitting too long or pushing too hard on the toilet.
Go to the bathroom when the urge hits.
Stay hydrated throughout the day.
Eat high-fiber foods.
Stay physically active.
Take laxatives and stool softeners only as recommended by your doctor.
When to see a doctor for hemorrhoids
If you notice blood on toilet paper or bleeding during bowel movements, or if your hemorrhoids do not improve after a week of at-home treatment, talk to your doctor.
Do not assume that bleeding is due to a swollen vein, especially if you are also experiencing changes in bowel movements or stool. Bleeding can occur due to other conditions, including anal cancer and colon cancer. Seek emergency medical treatment if you:
Notice large amounts of rectal bleeding
Feel lightheaded, dizzy, or faint
Experience nausea or vomiting
Feel severe pain
Develop a fever or chills
Related conditions to hemorrhoids
Gastrointestinal disorders can also cause rectal bleeding and other symptoms of hemorrhoids. Some of these disorders can be life-threatening and require medical treatment. It is important to talk to your health care professional if you're experiencing symptoms.
IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
Irritable bowel syndrome is a gastrointestinal disorder with a combination of causes. Some people with IBS may develop hemorrhoids due to chronic constipation, straining to pass stool, or eating a low-fiber diet.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a type of IBD that causes the digestive tract to become swollen and irritated. The condition involves symptoms such as diarrhea, weight loss, and rectal bleeding.
Crohn's disease is a lifelong condition that cannot be cured. However, medical treatments can help control symptoms.Colon cancer
Colon cancer occurs when the cells lining the colon or rectum grow out of control. It can lead to changes in bloody stool, constipation, diarrhea, and unexplained anemia.
Because symptoms usually do not arise until the cancer has advanced, it is important to schedule regular screenings.
Hemorrhoid treatment FAQs
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are veins in the lower anus that have become inflamed or swollen due to pressure. They may be internal (inside the rectum) or external (outside the skin around the anus).
What is the best hemorrhoid treatment?
Most hemorrhoid symptoms improve with home remedies. Lifestyle changes and over-the-counter treatment can help relieve hemorrhoid pain and itching.
How much does hemorrhoid treatment cost?
In most cases, hemorrhoids treatment is relatively affordable, as most hemorrhoids can be treated with home remedies and OTC medication. However, medical procedures and surgical treatments can be more costly. For patients not covered by insurance, rubber band ligation can range from $500 to $1,500. Surgical treatment, the most expensive method of hemorrhoids treatment, can range from $9,000 to $12,000.
How long do hemorrhoids take to heal?
Smaller hemorrhoids often clear up in a few days without treatment. However, large external hemorrhoids and prolapsed hemorrhoids take longer to heal and may require treatment from a health care professional.
What is the treatment for a thrombosed external hemorrhoid?
Thrombosed hemorrhoids are treated with a medical procedure called an external thrombectomy.
During the procedure, your doctor will make a small cut in the blood clot to drain it. You will receive local anesthesia to numb the affected area.
This procedure works best within three days after the hemorrhoid appears. Although it works quickly, blood clots may return after surgery.
3 simple steps to request treatment for hemorrhoids today
Step 1
Book a hemorrhoid treatment appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your hemorrhoid symptoms.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up a prescription to treat your hemorrhoids.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Hemorrhoid treatment pricing details
How pricing works
To request hemorrhoid treatment and get a new or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
Copay
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
$129
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Hemorrhoid treatment resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information
Cleveland Clinic. Hemorrhoids. Accessed on May 25, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15120-hemorrhoids
Harvard Health. Hemorrhoids and what to do about them. Accessed on May 25, 2022. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/hemorrhoids_and_what_to_do_about_them
Mayo Clinic. Hemorrhoids. Accessed on May 25, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes/syc-20360268#:~:text=Hemorrhoids%20are%20swollen%20veins%20in,rectum%2C%20similar%20to%20varicose%20veins.
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.