Hemorrhoids Specialist
Jeffrey S Aronoff, MD
Colorectal Surgeon located in New York, NY
Hemorrhoids can cause considerable discomfort and quickly become a literal pain in your backside. At Jeffrey S. Aronoff, MD, PC, located in Midtown East, Manhattan, Dr. Aronoff offers expert diagnosis and treatment of hemorrhoids. For an evaluation or to learn more about your treatment options, call the New York City office today or schedule an appointment online.
Hemorrhoids Q&A
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids, also referred to as piles, are enlarged blood vessels in your rectum or around your anus. This digestive condition is relatively common, affecting about 1 in 20 adults in the United States. Oftentimes, hemorrhoids are misdiagnosed or mistreated, causing further complications and confusion.
Hemorrhoids are similar to varicose veins, in that they are the result of increased pressure on the vessels that respond by bulging and dilating. There are two types of hemorrhoids:
- Internal: dilated blood vessels inside the rectum, which you can’t see or feel
- External: dilated blood vessels that sit just below the skin near and around the anus
Typically, internal hemorrhoids don’t cause pain or discomfort. With external hemorrhoids, you may not have signs, or you may have pain or other symptoms.
What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?
If you have symptoms of hemorrhoids, you may experience:
- Pain or discomfort when sitting
- Itching or irritation near your anus
- Swelling around your anus
- Tenderness or burning at anus
You may also note tinges of red blood in your stools. In some cases, your hemorrhoid becomes thrombosed when it develops a blood clot. This development often causes severe pain and inflammation.
What causes hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids develop as a result of increased pressure on the vessels of the rectum and anus. Conditions that may increase your risk for developing hemorrhoids include:
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Advancing age
- Anal sexual intercourse
- Chronic diarrhea or constipation
Eating a low-fiber diet and regularly lifting heavy weights may increase your risk of hemorrhoids.
What are the treatments for hemorrhoids?
As part of your thorough evaluation, Dr. Aronoff completes a physical examination and collects a health history. Initially, a plan of care may entail:
- Eating a high-fiber diet
- Using a medicated cream or wipe
- Taking a warm bath
- Increasing intake of low-sugar fluids
If your symptoms persist, treatment may involve one of a variety of surgical procedures to remove the clot or hemorrhoid.
If you have or suspect you have a hemorrhoid and need treatment, don’t delay. Call or schedule an appointment online at Jeffrey S. Aronoff, MD, PC today.