Internal hemorrhoids generally require different treatment methods than external hemorrhoids.
That’s because of their location and the severity of their symptoms. Believe it or not, most cases of internal hemorrhoids go undetected.
Since they are located in an area of the anus that is free from pain-sensing nerves, some patients don’t even realize they have internal hemorrhoids.
The most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids is painless bleeding during bowel movements.
You may notice blood in the toilet bowl or on the toilet paper after wiping. In this case, it is best to treat the hemorrhoids even if they aren’t bothering you. That will help you prevent the internal hemorrhoids from getting worse.
As internal hemorrhoids progress, treatment is often necessary. The worse they get, the more likely you will need to undergo surgery to treat them.
Let’s take a closer look at how to get rid of these pesky internal hemorrhoids.
Without Surgery
Most cases of internal hemorrhoids can be resolved without surgical treatment. When internal hemorrhoids become grade IV prolapsed hemorrhoids, they will most likely require surgical treatment to get rid of your hemorrhoids.
The best way to get rid of internal hemorrhoids without surgery is to treat them early on so they don’t get to the point where surgery is required.
Make simple lifestyle changes to get rid of them and prevent them from coming back.
Here are the lifestyle changes you can take to get rid of internal hemorrhoids:
- Increase your water consumption. Whether you drink half your body weight in ounces or drink 8 ounces of water a day, it’s important that you drink enough water to properly hydrate your body and keep your internal organs flowing. This will help reduce your risk of constipation.
- Exercise daily. Even if this means taking a leisurely walk, you should get your body moving regularly. This will also help avoid constipation and keep everything moving regularly.
- Increase your fiber intake. Eat a diet rich in fiber like healthy greens. This will not only improve your digestion and ensure regular bowel movements, it’ll reduce inflammation and help with weight. Since obesity and constipation are major contributors to hemorrhoids, this can be a huge help for healing internal hemorrhoids.
You can also follow some of the at home treatments listed below. To treat internal hemorrhoids use a combination of lifestyle improvements and treatment options to get rid of your hemorrhoids and keep them away for good.
At Home
When it comes to at home treatment there are several ways you can get rid of internal hemorrhoids. As mentioned above, making simple lifestyle changes can be a great help in treating internal hemorrhoids. You can also use the following at home treatments for your internal hemorrhoids:
- Warm Sitz-Bath. When internal hemorrhoids become prolapsed, sit in a warm bath for 15-20 minutes a few times a day. This will help soothe any itching and pain. It will also help reduce swelling. Since grade II internal hemorrhoids simultaneously retract on their own, it’s a good idea to sit in a warm sitz bath after bowel movements to reduce swelling. This can also be done with grade III internal hemorrhoids that need to be pushed back into place manually.
- Over-the-counter suppositories. These are the most effective at home treatment product for internal hemorrhoids. There are a variety of suppository products available on the market and they work to treat the specific symptoms you’re dealing with. Pick a product that works best with your specific case of internal hemorrhoids. Suppositories work by targeting swelling and inflammation. They also can help to drastically reduce your internal hemorrhoids in size.
- Stool softeners. Stool softeners can also help to get rid of internal hemorrhoids. They work by keeping bowel movements flowing and soft so that you don’t aggravate your internal hemorrhoids.
Permanently
The best way to get rid of internal hemorrhoids permanently is to follow the above steps for lifestyle changes. If your internal hemorrhoids have progressed to the point where they become prolapsed, the best permanent treatment is to have them surgically removed.
When it comes to internal hemorrhoids, surgical stapling is the most common medical treatment.
When an internal hemorrhoid has become prolapsed, it protrudes out of the opening of the anus and cannot be pushed back in manually. When this occurs, your medical provider may suggest surgical stapling.
During this procedure, you will undergo anesthesia in a hospital or a surgical center. The hemorrhoids will be pushed back into place and stapled with surgical staples to the wall of the rectum where they originated.
This will cause the hemorrhoid to lose its blood supply and die off. The enlarged tissue will retract back into place and your hemorrhoids will be gone.
Naturally
When it comes to natural treatment for hemorrhoids, there are several options available that work.
As mentioned above, lifestyle changes can be a great help. You can also try warm sitz baths and ice packs.
The following herbs, supplements, and natural products are also effective in treating hemorrhoids:
- Witch hazel
- Aloe vera
- Psyllium husk
- Tea tree oil
- Epsom salt
- Coconut oil