A hemorrhoid clinic can provide much-needed relief.
Hemorrhoids are more common among adults 45 to 75 years of age. However, the itchiness and general discomfort associated with swollen anal veins can be a nuisance to anyone at any age.
Sometimes, hemorrhoids are a temporary distraction that's manageable with over-the-counter medication. But there are also some good reasons why you should consider visiting a hemorrhoid clinic in Orange County.
Comfortable Visit
You may not feel entirely comfortable going to your local pharmacy to discuss hemorrhoids. Or you may go the patience route and hope they'll eventually go away on their own. The bottom line is that painful hemorrhoids aren't likely to simply clear up without medical intervention. At a clinic, you'll be able to openly and comfortably discuss your experience with hemorrhoids. Also, keep in mind that untreated hemorrhoids could result in skin infections when they're external, or damage to other tissues within the anus or rectum if they're internal. Anemia may become a problem if you have bleeding hemorrhoids.
You'll Have Access to More Treatment Options
Specialists who treat patients at a hemorrhoid clinic in Orange County remain up-to-date on the latest techniques and procedures. They're also able to provide access to a wider range of treatment options beyond over-the-counter medications. If you have a bleeding external hemorrhoid, for instance, you may experience immediate relief after having the clot removed or drained. A hemorrhoid clinic in Orange County is also a place where you'll have access to the following treatment options:
- Rubber band ligation: Tying off the hemorrhoid to cut off circulation.
- Sclerotherapy: Injections to shrink affected tissues.
- Coagulation: The application of heat or light to target smaller internal hemorrhoids that are bleeding.
- Hemorrhoidectomy: Surgical removal of a hemorrhoid. This is considered one of the most effective treatments.
- Stapled hemorrhoidectomy: Blood flow is blocked to prolapsed or bleeding internal hemorrhoids.
Better Understanding of the Source of Your Hemorrhoids
Specialists do more than treat symptoms related to internal and external hemorrhoids. They're also trained to take the steps necessary to make an accurate diagnosis to determine the likely reason(s) why you developed hemorrhoids in the first place. This process might involve discussing your symptoms and reviewing your medical history to determine if issues such as chronic diarrhea or constipation may be contributing to your anal irritations. With internal hemorrhoids, results from a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a visual examination of your rectum and the lower part of your colon will likely be considered.
A consultation at a hemorrhoid clinic in Orange County can provide more than welcome relief. Doctors specializing in treating anal irritations like this are often able to suggest ways to reduce the odds of having to deal with a serious hemorrhoid problem again following treatment, such as eating more fiber-rich foods and taking steps to avoid excessive straining while making bowel movements. If pregnancy is the reason for your hemorrhoids, they'll usually go away shortly after childbirth, although a specialist can recommend ways to minimize discomfort until then.