My Hemorrhoids Are Painful: Can You Help?

If hemorrhoid pain is making bowel movements, sitting down, or going about your days difficult, you’re not alone. About 1 in every 20 Americans has bothersome hemorrhoids. That includes over half of adults over 50.

Thankfully, there’s a lot you can do to alleviate pain from these swollen veins in your lower rectum and anus.

With his expert team at our Midtown Manhattan, New York, practice, double board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist Dr. Yosef Golowa specializes in nonsurgical hemorrhoid treatment to bring you lasting relief.

How hemorrhoids form

Anything that increases pressure on the veins in or near your anus can lead to hemorrhoids. Blood pools up in the strained veins, causing them to bulge similar to varicose veins.

Common contributing factors include:

• Chronic diarrhea or constipation
• Eating a low-fiber or low-fluid diet
• Frequently lifting heavy objects
• Having anal intercourse
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Straining during bowel movements
• Sitting for lengthy periods, particularly on the toilet

Because the tissues and muscles that support your veins stretch, lose elasticity, and weaken over time, hemorrhoids become more likely with increasing age.

What causes hemorrhoid pain

Hemorrhoids don’t always hurt. If you have internal hemorrhoids, located inside your rectum, pain is likely if they bulge outside of your anus (prolapse). External hemorrhoids, located under the sensitive skin surrounding your anus, often cause pain, itching, and discomfort.

When a blood clot forms in an external hemorrhoid, it’s considered thrombosed, which is the most painful kind. They can cause sudden, severe pain that doesn’t let up.

What to do about painful hemorrhoids

To reduce hemorrhoid pain at home, cold compresses, 10-15 minute sitz baths, and over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream or suppositories can help.  If your symptoms don’t resolve within a week of home treatment or if you experience severe pain or rectal bleeding, seek our medical support.

For recurrent hemorrhoid problems, lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly and eating more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, can help. 

Hemorrhoidal embolization

If you have internal hemorrhoids, Dr. Golowa may recommend hemorrhoidal embolization. This minimally invasive treatment reduces blood flow to the veins, causing them to shrink and stop bleeding. 

The procedure uses a thin catheter, guided with X-ray imagery, and gel particles or platinum coils to seal affected veins. The painless process only takes about 45 minutes, and you can return to your usual activities the next day.

To learn more or find out if you’re a candidate for nonsurgical hemorrhoid treatment, call our office today at 212-991-9991. You can also book an appointment with Dr. Golowa through our website.