Hemorrhoids are painful and can be embarrassing to talk about, but it’s important that individuals address the issue as soon as possible. From natural supplements to lifestyle changes, there are many options for treatment that don’t involve a trip to the doctor for medical or surgical procedures. We’ve got all the information you need to know, from what causes those painful varicose veins to how you rid yourself of them.

Cause of the problem
There are a number of things you can change about your daily routine that will decrease your likelihood of developing hemorrhoids. Women who are pregnant, however, are at an increased risk because, as their uterus grows, pressure is added to the affected area. Other causes include a lack of dietary fiber, sitting on the toilet for long periods of time and other colon-related health concerns. It’s important to address your hemorrhoids because they may be a sign of polyps, which can develop into colon cancer. In addition to discomfort, hemorrhoids can become severe if not treated and call for surgical removal.

Types of hemorrhoids
The two main types of hemorrhoids are internal and external. Internal hemorrhoids are located on the intestinal wall and can often go unnoticed because they aren’t visible. If you have blood or mucus in your stool, it could be caused by these swollen blood vessels. External hemorrhoids, on the other hand, are located on the outside of the anus. Pain is more common in these cases and can be accompanied by inflammation, itching and a protruding bump.

Treatment options
When your vascular tissue becomes weak because of pressure or other health issues, you may experience hemorrhoids. Treatments like Western Herbal and Nutrition’s Hem-Relief are able to strengthen those damaged veins, which helps eliminate your symptoms as the hemorrhoids recede. This supplement is effective for both types of hemorrhoids and can also aid in preventing future outbreaks from developing. In addition to an all-natural remedy, you may also want to limit the amount of time you spend on the toilet and up your fiber intake to avoid issues with constipation. Women who are pregnant are likely to find relief shortly after giving birth.

Medical procedures
Unfortunately, sometimes hemorrhoids become so severe that the only effective method for getting rid of them is a medical procedure. The less invasive, but not always successful, options include rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy and coagulation – a procedure in which a laser or infrared light is used for removal. Surgical options include a hemorrhoidectomy or stapling. For the first type of hemorrhoid removal, a hemorrhoidectomy, a surgeon removes tissue from the affected area. This is an effective way for treating large, severe and recurring hemorrhoids, but may come with unwanted complications. In addition to pain following the procedure, you may have trouble emptying your bladder or develop a urinary tract infection. A stapled hemorrhoidectomy works by blocking the flow of blood to the tissue in the area. Although less painful, you are at risk of suffering from a prolapsed hemorrhoid – when an internal hemorrhoid actually protrudes from the anus.