Truth about hemorrhoids showing causes symptoms bleeding piles and effective treatments

The Truth About Hemorrhoids Treatments: What Works and What Doesn’t

If you are frantically searching for “how common is piles” or “will hemorrhoids kill you,” take a deep breath. You are safe. Hemorrhoids (Piles) are not life-threatening, but they are incredibly common. Studies show that nearly 50% of adults will experience hemorrhoidal disease symptoms by age 50.

Despite how common they are, misinformation is everywhere. Patients often suffer in silence, trying ineffective creams or dangerous home hacks before seeking help. At Thrissur Piles Clinic, Dr. Raviram S. the Proctologist in Thrissur believes in transparency. Whether you are dealing with a small hemorrhoid by anus or severe bleeding hemorrhoids, you deserve the truth. This guide breaks down exactly what works, what is a waste of money, and when you need to see a specialist to get rid of external hemorrhoids without surgery.

Why Hemorrhoids Develop – The Real Causes Most People Ignore

To treat the issue, you must understand the cause for hemorrhoids. It is not just about constipation; it is about pressure.

1. The “Toilet Trap” (Sitting Too Long) Can sitting too long cause hemorrhoids? Yes. In the age of smartphones, the toilet has become a library. Sitting on the toilet too long creates a vacuum effect, pulling blood into the anal veins.

The Reality: If you haven’t finished in 5 minutes, get up. Straining and scrolling are the top hemorrhoids reasons today.

2. The Wipe War Can you get hemorrhoids from wiping too hard? Absolutely. The anal skin is thinner than your eyelid. Aggressive wiping with dry toilet paper irritates external veins, causing inflammation.

Doctor’s Tip: Use a peri bottle for hemorrhoids or a water spray (bidet). If you must wipe, pat gently; never scrub.

3. Dietary Mistakes Will hemorrhoids cause diarrhea? No, but chronic diarrhea or constipation forces you to strain. Can pooping a lot cause hemorrhoids? Yes. Frequent bowel movements irritate the canal just as much as hard stool does.

Common Hemorrhoid Treatments – What Actually Works

Before rushing to surgery, Dr. Raviram S. recommends starting with the basics. These are the foundation of any treatment for piles disease.

Hydration is Key: You cannot have a soft stool without water. Aim for 3 liters daily.
Fiber Intake: High fiber foods for hemorrhoids (like oats, papaya, and leafy greens) act as a sponge. They bulk up the stool so it passes without pressure.
Proper Posture: The best way to poop with hemorrhoids is using a stool under your feet (Squatty Potty). This aligns the colon, reducing the need to push.

Over-the-Counter Hemorrhoid Treatments – Truth vs Marketing

Walk into any pharmacy, and you will see rows of hemorrhoid pills and tubes. But do they work?

1. Creams and Ointments Hemorrhoid cream best brands usually contain hydrocortisone or lidocaine.

The Truth: These provide instant relief for hemorrhoids by numbing the pain and reducing itching. However, they do not cure the pile. They are a temporary “band-aid.” Using them for more than a week can actually thin the skin and make things worse.

2. Suppositories These are inserted inside to treat internal hemorrhoids. They lubricate the canal to make passing stool less painful, but they rarely shrink the swollen vein permanently.

3. Flavonoid Tablets Tablets for bleeding piles (like Daflon) improve venous tone. They can help stop an acute bleeding episode, but they will not remove a prolapsed skin tag.

The Truth About Home Remedies for Hemorrhoids

Patients often ask, “how to cure hemorrhoids at home?” While you cannot “cure” a physical lump with kitchen ingredients, you can manage the pain.

What Doctors Recommend:

Sitz Bath for Hemorrhoids: Sitting in warm water for 15 minutes relaxes the sphincter muscle and improves blood flow. This is the best home treatment for piles in women and men.
Ice Packs: Will ice help hemorrhoids? Yes. Applying ice (wrapped in a cloth) reduces acute swelling for external hemorrhoids.
Coconut Oil: Is coconut water good for piles? Yes, for hydration. Coconut oil for piles applied externally protects the skin from irritation.

Dangerous Myths (Avoid These):

Apple Cider Vinegar: Never apply this undiluted. It burns raw skin.
Baking Soda: Is baking soda good for hemorrhoids? No. It alters the skin’s pH and can cause severe dermatitis.
Vicks VapoRub: Menthol on an open wound causes intense burning.

Treatments That Do NOT Work for Hemorrhoids (Avoid These Mistakes)

There is a lot of bad advice online. Let’s debunk the myths.

“Popping” the Hemorrhoid: Can you poop out hemorrhoids? No. Attempting to puncture or “pop” a thrombosed hemorrhoid is dangerous and can lead to severe infection or uncontrollable bleeding.
Starving Yourself: Some patients stop eating to avoid pooping. This slows down digestion and makes the eventual stool rock-hard, causing more damage.
Excessive Laxatives: Can laxatives cause hemorrhoids? Yes. Overusing them causes diarrhea, which is acidic and irritates the anal canal.

Medical Treatments for Hemorrhoids – When Home Care Isn’t Enough

If you have tried diet changes for two weeks and still see blood on toilet paper, it is time for professional help. Thrissur Piles Clinic offers non-surgical options for early-stage piles.

1. Rubber Band Ligation (Banding) This is for internal piles. A small rubber band is placed at the base of the hemorrhoid, cutting off blood supply. The pile falls off in a few days.

Pros: Quick, no anesthesia.
Cons: Can be uncomfortable; high recurrence rate if diet isn’t fixed.

2. Infrared Coagulation (IRC) Uses heat light to shrink small, bleeding internal piles. It is painless but only works for Grade 1 or 2 piles.

Surgical Treatments for Hemorrhoids – The Truth About Permanent Solutions

For large, prolapsing piles (Grade 3 or 4) or severe external hemorrhoids, creams won’t work. You need removal.

Traditional Surgery (Hemorrhoidectomy)

This involves cutting the tissue. It is effective but notoriously painful with a long recovery time.

Laser Treatment (The Gold Standard)

Dr. Raviram S. specializes in Laser Proctology. This is the better treatment for piles today.

How it works: A laser fiber delivers energy to shrink the hemorrhoidal mass from the inside.
Benefits: Painless piles treatment, no cuts, no stitches, minimal blood loss, and you can usually go home the same day.
Recovery: Most patients return to work within 2-3 days, unlike the weeks required for traditional surgery.

Self-Care for Piles:

While you should always seek professional medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment of piles, some general lifestyle changes may help manage symptoms and promote overall well-being. It’s important to individualize your approach and discuss any changes with your doctor:

1. Fibre Intake:

Aim for 25-35 grams of fibre daily by incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet.
Choose options like apples, pears, berries, leafy greens, beans, lentils, and whole-wheat bread.
Increase fibre gradually to avoid bloating or gas.

2. Hydration:

Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water in a day.
Stay hydrated to soften stool and make bowel movements easier, reducing straining.
Consider incorporating water-rich fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumber, and spinach.

Always consult proctology doctor Dr. Raviram S. before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle, especially if you are experiencing symptoms of piles. They can provide personalized guidance and ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment.

3. Stool Softeners:

Use stool softeners only under your doctor’s guidance. They can help soften stool and make bowel movements easier, reducing straining that can worsen piles.

our doctor will recommend the appropriate type and dosage based on your individual needs.
Overusing stool softeners can lead to loose stools, so stick to your doctor’s instructions.

4. Warm Sitz Baths:

Soaking in warm sitz baths for 10-15 minutes several times a day can provide temporary relief from discomfort, itching, and swelling.
You can use a sitz bath basin placed in a bathtub or purchase a portable one.
Add warm water (not hot) and sit comfortably, ensuring the affected area is submerged.
Pat dry thoroughly after each bath.

5. Maintaining Good Anal Hygiene:

Gently cleanse the anal area with warm water after each bowel movement. Using a bidet or a soft washcloth can be helpful.
Avoid harsh soaps, perfumed wipes, or excessive scrubbing, as these can irritate the area.
Pat dry thoroughly after cleansing to prevent moisture buildup, which can worsen symptoms.

6. Wear loose-fitting cotton underwear:

Tight clothing can irritate the area.

These are just general tips, and consulting your doctor is crucial before starting any new practice, especially when dealing with medical conditions like piles. They can assess your individual needs and recommend the most suitable self-care strategies for you.

When to See a Doctor for Hemorrhoids

Do not ignore the symptoms. You must visit Thrissur Piles Clinic if:

Bleeding doesn’t stop: Rectal bleeding can also be a sign of polyps or cancer. You need a diagnosis.
Severe Pain: If you feel a hard, painful lump (thrombosed hemorrhoid), you need immediate relief.
Prolapse: If the pile comes out and won’t push back in.
Symptoms persist: If you have had symptoms for more than 2 weeks despite home remedies.

Conclusion: Stop Suffering in Silence

Hemorrhoids are not a hygiene issue; they are a medical issue caused by pressure. You do not have to live with the pain, the itching, or the fear of the toilet. Whether you need a simple diet for hemorrhoids plan or advanced laser treatment in Thrissur, help is available.

The truth about hemorrhoids is that they are highly treatable. The sooner you act, the easier the treatment.

Ready to live pain-free? Book your consultation with Dr. Raviram S., the expert Proctologist in Thrissur, Kerala. Call/WhatsApp: 9961001199. Your health is our priority. Healing with compassion and expertise.