Hemorrhoids Specialist
-
- Tweet
Park Avenue Colon and Rectal Surgery
Colorectal Surgeon & Minimally Invasive Surgery located in Murray Hill, New York City, NY
Hemorrhoids are a common condition that can make it difficult to use the bathroom or sit comfortably. At Park Avenue Colon and Rectal Surgery in Murray Hill, Manhattan, Marsha Harris, MD, FACS, FASCRS, offers treatments to eliminate painful hemorrhoids and their symptoms. She can also surgically remove recurrent hemorrhoids to prevent their return using the latest surgical techniques. If you struggle with the pain of hemorrhoids, schedule a consultation with the team today. Call the New York City office or request an appointment online.
Hemorrhoids Q & A
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids develop when the veins in your anus and lower rectum become inflamed and swollen. In some cases, hemorrhoids develop internally, inside the rectum, or externally under the skin around your anus. You may also have internal hemorrhoids that push through the anal opening, causing a condition known as a protruding or prolapsed hemorrhoid.
A common condition, hemorrhoids can result when you strain during a bowel movement or due to excess pressure on the veins during pregnancy. You may also develop hemorrhoids for no apparent reason.
What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids may cause no symptoms at all, but many people experience discomfort, pain, and a variety of other symptoms that interfere with your usual routine.
In addition to pain, you may experience symptoms affecting your anus, such as:
- Itching
- Swelling
- Persistent irritation
You may also have small amounts of blood appear in the toilet bowl or on toilet paper after a bowel movement.
If blood pools in an external hemorrhoid, it can form a thrombosis, or blood clot, which causes a thrombosed hemorrhoid, a condition that causes severe pain and the development of a lump near your anus.
If you can’t tolerate pain or notice bleeding when using the bathroom, you should schedule a medical evaluation at Park Avenue Colon and Rectal Surgery.
What treatments are available for hemorrhoids?
Initially, you may need to make lifestyle modifications to improve your bowel movements and prevent straining. These changes may include eating more fiber and getting more exercise. You may also benefit from over-the-counter topical medications that can reduce hemorrhoid discomfort and inflammation. It may be beneficial to soak in a warm bath and apply a cold compress to the area to help reduce swelling.
If home remedies aren’t enough, Dr. Harris can perform treatments like a rubber band ligation, a painless procedure where she applies one or more small rubber bands to the base of the hemorrhoid. This cuts off blood circulation to the area, resulting in the hemorrhoid drying up and falling off. Injection therapy can also decrease the size of the hemorrhoid.
If preventive treatments, rubber band ligation, or injection therapy don’t effectively treat painful hemorrhoids, Dr. Harris can surgically remove them to resolve your symptoms.
Find out which hemorrhoid treatment is right for you by calling the office today or booking an appointment online.
