Let's be honest – hemorrhoids are the uninvited guests nobody wants. You're sitting there minding your own business when suddenly, ouch! That burning sensation or itchy discomfort hits. Been there? Yeah, me too. After my third pregnancy, I thought I'd never sit comfortably again. But here's the thing: learning how to remove hemorrhoids isn't about magic cures, it's about understanding options that fit your situation.
Understanding Your Enemy: What Are Hemorrhoids Anyway?
Imagine tiny cushions filled with blood vessels around your back passage. They're normal! But when they swell up like overinflated balloons from pressure (think constipation or heavy lifting), that's when trouble starts. External ones form under the skin near your anus – those painful lumps you can feel. Internal ones hide inside your rectum and usually just cause bleeding. Fun times, right?
What Causes These Little Monsters?
- Straining during bowel movements (the biggie!)
- Sitting too long on the toilet scrolling TikTok
- Chronic diarrhea or constipation
- Pregnancy (thanks, gravity!)
- Lifting heavy boxes during moving day
- Low-fiber diets (looking at you, pizza lovers)
Real talk: I ignored mine for months thinking they'd vanish. Bad move. By the time I saw my proctologist, he said I'd turned minor irritation into a grade 3 situation. Don't be like me – early action saves pain.
Home Remedies: Your First Line of Defense
Before jumping to medical procedures, try these evidence-backed home methods. They won't magically remove hemorrhoids overnight, but they can shrink mild cases remarkably well.
The Essential Home Treatment Toolkit
| Treatment | How to Use | Why It Works | My Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sitz Baths | Soak buttocks in warm water 15-20 mins, 2-3 times daily | Reduces swelling, relaxes muscles | Used a plastic basin over toilet - relief in 3 days |
| Witch Hazel | Apply with cotton pad after bowel movements | Natural astringent shrinks tissues | Stopped itching instantly but temporary effect |
| Diet Overhaul | 35g fiber daily + 8 glasses water | Softens stool, reduces straining | Game-changer! Less pain in 48 hours |
| OTC Creams | Apply externally 3-4 times daily (Preparation H, etc) | Numbs pain, reduces inflammation | Hydrocortisone cream worked best for me |
Pro tip: Combine methods! Do sitz baths after bowel movements followed by witch hazel. And seriously – stop straining. Bring a footstool into the bathroom to elevate your knees. It straightens the rectum and makes elimination smoother.
When Home Care Isn't Enough
If you've tried everything for 2-3 weeks with no improvement, or if you're seeing significant bleeding, it's time for professional help. Persistent hemorrhoids won't remove themselves – trust me, ignoring mine just made treatment more involved later.
Warning sign: If you see dark red blood in the toilet bowl (not just on TP), get checked immediately. Could be hemorrhoids, but better safe than sorry with colorectal issues.
Clinical Procedures: Removing Hemorrhoids in the Doctor's Office
Okay, let's talk about the scary part. When my GP said "we need to remove those hemorrhoids," I nearly bolted. But modern procedures are surprisingly manageable.
Non-Surgical Options That Actually Work
For internal hemorrhoids that won't retreat, these office-based treatments have high success rates:
- Rubber Band Ligation - Doctor slips tiny bands around the hemorrhoid base. Cuts off blood supply so it shrivels and falls off in days. Mild cramping afterward. 79% success rate for grade 2-3.
- Sclerotherapy - Chemical solution injected to shrink vessels. Quick pinch sensation. Best for smaller hemorrhoids. Less effective long-term than banding.
- Infrared Coagulation (IRC) - Heat seals blood vessels. Minimal discomfort. I had this! Mild burning sensation during, but walked out normally. Took 3 sessions for full results.
| Procedure | Pain Level (1-10) | Recovery Time | Cost Range (US) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Band Ligation | 4 (cramping) | 1-2 days | $500-$1500 | Medium internal hemorrhoids |
| Infrared Coagulation | 2 | None | $300-$900/session | Small-med internal |
| Sclerotherapy | 3 | None | $400-$1000 | Small bleeding hemorrhoids |
Dr. Reynolds, my colorectal surgeon, put it bluntly: "Rubber banding remains the gold standard for most patients needing hemorrhoid removal." He performs 15-20 weekly at his clinic.
The Big Guns: Surgical Hemorrhoid Removal
For large external piles or advanced internal cases, surgery becomes necessary. Two main options:
Hemorrhoidectomy: Complete surgical removal. Consider this for grade 4 hemorrhoids that won't stay inside. Yes, the recovery is rough (1-2 weeks off work), but it's the most permanent solution. My neighbor Greg described it as "feeling like I sat on a cactus for five days" but said he'd do it again for lasting relief.
Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy: Repositions tissue rather than removing it. Less initial pain but higher recurrence rates. My cousin had this done – she was back at work in 4 days but needed revision after 18 months.
Post-Treatment Care: Don't Mess This Up!
Whether you've had office treatment or surgery, recovery makes or breaks your results. After my IRC sessions, I learned these essentials:
- Poop management is critical - Take daily stool softeners (Colace or Miralax) for at least 2 weeks
- Continue sitz baths - 3 times daily, especially after bowel movements
- No heavy lifting - Seriously, nothing over 10lbs for 3 weeks
- Wear loose clothing - Tight jeans are torture on healing tissue
- Hydrate like crazy - Dehydration = hard stool = disaster
Biggest mistake people make? Returning to old habits after hemorrhoid removal. If you keep straining or eating junk food, they'll be back. Permanent changes prevent recurrence.
Prevention: Keeping Hemorrhoids Gone For Good
Let's be real - nobody wants repeat performances. After going through this, I overhauled my habits:
The Anti-Hemorrhoid Lifestyle Checklist
- Fiber intake: 30-35g daily (think oats, beans, berries, psyllium)
- Hydration: 2 liters water minimum (colorless urine = good!)
- Toilet habits: Max 5 minutes per session, no phones allowed
- Exercise: Daily walking (sitting is the enemy)
- Lifting smart: Exhale when lifting, never hold breath
I keep a fiber tracker app now. Funny how preventing hemorrhoid removal becomes motivation for healthier living overall.
Your Burning Questions Answered
Can hemorrhoids disappear completely?
Mild cases can shrink with home care. Larger ones may reduce but leave skin tags. Only medical removal fully eliminates them.
How long does hemorrhoid removal recovery take?
Office procedures: 24-48 hours. Hemorrhoidectomy: 2 weeks off work. Full healing takes 4-6 weeks.
Is hemorrhoid surgery covered by insurance?
Usually yes if medically necessary. Office procedures often covered too. Always verify with provider.
Can I remove hemorrhoids myself?
Absolutely not! DIY removal risks infection and severe bleeding. See a professional.
What's the fastest way to remove hemorrhoids?
Combination approach: Start high-fiber diet + sitz baths immediately. If no improvement in 72 hours, schedule doctor visit.
When to See a Doctor Immediately
Most hemorrhoids don't need ER visits. But seek urgent care for:
- Rectal bleeding that soaks through underwear
- Sudden severe pain (could indicate thrombosis)
- Fever with rectal pain
- Prolapsed hemorrhoid turning purple/black
Final thought from my experience: Learning how to remove hemorrhoids properly changed my quality of life. Yeah, it's embarrassing to discuss. But suffering silently? Worse. Take action early, explore options thoughtfully, and remember - millions deal with this. You're not alone.
Leave a Comments