Hemorrhoids Specialist
Gastro90210
Jonathan S Pourmorady, MD
Gastroenterology & Hepatology located in Los Angeles, CA & Garden Grove, CA
No one really likes to talk about hemorrhoids, which are enlarged, bulging blood vessels in your anus and rectum, but if you have them you definitely want relief. At Gastro90210 in the Century City neighborhood of Los Angeles and Garden Grove, California, Jonathan Pourmorady, MD, treats hemorrhoids using advanced therapies to stop the pain and bleeding they can cause. Call either office today or use the online tool to schedule an appointment to learn more about hemorrhoid treatment.
Hemorrhoids Q & A
What causes hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are varicose veins that develop in your anus or lower rectum. They usually form due to increased pressure inside the veins of your rectum due to:
Constipation and straining to pass stools
Pregnancy and/or childbirth
Obesity
Heavy lifting
Sitting for long periods
Persistent diarrhea
More than half of the population has developed hemorrhoids at some point in their life by the time they reach the age of 50.
What are internal hemorrhoids?
Internal hemorrhoids form inside your lower rectum and typically cause no symptoms. You may notice a small quantity of blood on toilet paper after you wipe or a feeling of fullness following a bowel movement. You probably won’t see internal hemorrhoids or even feel them.
Internal hemorrhoids do have the potential to push through your anus. This is usually temporary, but the hemorrhoids can become permanently protruded and result in itching, bleeding, pain, and skin tag development.
What are external hemorrhoids?
External hemorrhoids cause bulges or lumps around your anus. External hemorrhoids are often quite painful, and you may notice the pain is most severe when you sit down. External hemorrhoids may also bleed and itch.
If an external hemorrhoid develops a blood clot, it becomes a thrombosed hemorrhoid and can be seriously painful.
How are hemorrhoids treated?
When your hemorrhoid symptoms are mild or moderate, over-the-counter creams and suppositories and warm baths can help you find relief. Hemorrhoids, however, don’t typically go away on their own and may worsen with time.
If hemorrhoids have become a chronic problem for you, consult Dr. Pourmorady at Gastro90210. He may offer one of the following treatments:
Lifestyle changes
A higher-fiber diet or fiber supplements can help with constipation and the straining that aggravates hemorrhoids. Staying hydrated is another way to encourage more regularity and ease hemorrhoids.
Rubber band ligation
This treatment involves placing a small rubber band over the hemorrhoid, effectively cutting off its blood supply. The hemorrhoid falls off in a day or two, and the wound heals in less than two weeks.
Injection and coagulation
Injections can be used to make a non-protruding hemorrhoid shrivel up so that it no longer causes uncomfortable symptoms.
Hemorrhoidectomy
You may need surgical removal of hemorrhoids that are protruding and bleeding.
If you have hemorrhoids, get expert treatment by calling Gastro90210 for an appointment or use the online tool to schedule.