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Take Control of Your Hemorrhoids

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You may be surprised to learn that everyone has hemorrhoids- they are part of our natural anatomy. The reason this is not common knowledge is that we only speak of them when they flare up and become a problem. Hence, they have become associated with a problem.

In reality, they are a fully functioning part of our body, aiding in bowel movement control and keeping the sphincter closed. The problem occurs when these hemorrhoids swell with inflammation and cause unpleasant symptoms. Hemorrhoids can be a sensitive subject for many, and most people who have them prefer to deal with them discreetly. We’ll show you when and how to take control of your hemorrhoids below in discreet and effective ways. 

Hemorrhoid Statistics

While 100% of people have hemorrhoids, around 5% of Americans experience hemorrhoid problems daily. That may seem insignificant, but it equates to over 16 million Americans. When you scale that pool down to adults over 50, the percentage increases to 50%.

Here are some other relevant hemorrhoid statistics:

  • Occurrence rate: Approximately 75% of Americans will experience hemorrhoids at some point in their lives.
  • Number of office visits: Hemorrhoid issues are the third most common gastrointestinal (GI) diagnosis. They account for approximately 4 million hemorrhoid-related office and ER visits each year.

As you can see, hemorrhoids are a widespread issue. Although they are not life-threatening, they still present significant problems. A person can live with hemorrhoids for an indefinite amount of time. Still, untreated hemorrhoids can lead to serious complications, as hemorrhoids do not completely go away on their own. Some of those problems include:

  • Internal hemorrhoid infections
  • Internal bleeding
  • Blood clots
  • Strangulated external hemorrhoids, where the blood supply is cut off — causing extreme pain
  • Lumps and skin tags

If left untreated, hemorrhoids worsen over time and can become a chronic issue.

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How to Take Control of Your Hemorrhoids

Knowing when to take control of hemorrhoids is only helpful if you also know how to do so. Below are some ways to manage your hemorrhoids:

1. Schedule an Appointment With Your Doctor

Untreated hemorrhoids can lead to several medical issues. Even if they reduce on their own, they are likely to recur or flare up again. For this reason, the first step to taking control of your hemorrhoids is scheduling an appointment with your doctor. Medical treatments significantly reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Although some Grade I hemorrhoid problems may improve with home remedies, many need medical treatments. Home remedies typically address the symptoms of hemorrhoids but not the root cause. Thus, since untreated hemorrhoids are likely to recur even after they recede, home remedies often delay the inevitable.

Refer to this conversation guide to make the most of your doctor’s appointment. It will provide your doctor with a clear understanding of your hemorrhoid concerns.

2. Learn About Your Treatment Options

At your doctor’s appointment and on your own, find out all you can about the treatment options available to you. Ask your doctor about the severity of your hemorrhoids and their recommended treatment options. Find out the least invasive and most effective solutions available given your budget and hemorrhoid severity. 

Home Remedies for Temporary Relief

Home remedies for hemorrhoids are most effective when they complement medical treatments. Understandably, you may experience hemorrhoid problems when the doctor’s office is closed, after a long day at work or while treatment works itself out. In these cases, home remedies are an ideal option.

Some examples of home remedies you can try include:

  • Sitz bath: A sitz bath relaxes your anal, perineal and rectal muscles. You can have one in your bathtub or with a kit you slide over your toilet seat. With either option, fill the tub with enough warm water to cover your anal area, add a tablespoon of salt and sit back and relax in the water for 15 minutes at a time.
  • Hemorrhoid creams: Over-the-counter (OTC) topical ointments like Preparation H or Tucks temporarily reduce inflammation and pain from hemorrhoids. They numb the area to relieve pain, burning and itchiness. Some natural substances include coconut oil or aloe vera, which both have anti-inflammatory properties. 
  • Vicks Vapor Rub: While it is not a hemorrhoid cream, Vicks Vapor Rub can reduce hemorrhoid inflammation, itchiness and pain. 
  • Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. For hemorrhoids, it reduces inflammation and relieves pain and itchiness. Wet a cotton ball with the vinegar and dab it in the affected area for a few minutes.
  • High-fiber diet: Fiber is great for your stool. It softens it and bulks it up at the same time. The smooth fiber flow reduces your need to strain during bowel movements and causes less irritation to hemorrhoids. 

Long-Term Hemorrhoid Relief

Hemorrhoid Banding with The CRH O’Regan System

Hemorrhoid banding is one of the most effective internal hemorrhoid treatment options. With hemorrhoid banding, doctors place a rubber band around the hemorrhoid base to cut off the blood supply. Within days, the hemorrhoid falls off leaving scar tissue to hold the hemorrhoidal tissue in place.  Hemorrhoid banding with The CRH O’Regan System is the most modern and non-invasive form of hemorrhoid banding available. It is effective on Grade I, II, III and some Grade IV hemorrhoids. 

The CRH O’Regan System utilizes a small suction device to insert the rubber bands in 30 seconds to one minute. This process is painless, does not use metal clamps and requires no preparation. It is appropriate for over 95% of hemorrhoid patients and has a 99% success rate.

Other Treatment Options

Find a Clinic Utilizing the CRH O’Regan System Near You

Unless you are dealing with severe Grade IV hemorrhoids, the CRH O’Regan System is an excellent solution for your hemorrhoid problems. With a quick and painless process and no recovery period, the CRH O’Regan System is ideal for hemorrhoid sufferers.. Many physicians are championing the CRH O’Regan System for hemorrhoid relief. Find one near you today that  utilizes the CRH O’Regan System.