There are several different types of over the counter medicines for hemorrhoids that do not require a prescription from a doctor. Your doctor, however, can recommend the best types for your particular hemorrhoid severity, and doing some research online can also yield some good information about the different treatments available from the pharmacy or drug store. Some nonprescription treatments may or may not alleviate pain depending on type.

Over the counter medicines come in a few specific types. Astringents, like witch hazel and Calamine, will help to reduce the swelling of irritated tissues, while protectants like petroleum jelly, cocoa butter and mineral oil coat the hemorrhoid tissue to protect against friction that causes inflammation. There are also pain medications available to help reduce itching and burning. These types of medicines use what is known as a local anesthetic, which numb and block nerves in the hemorrhoid that are causing discomfort.

Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the rectal area, and can be located internally or externally. They cause an uncomfortable burning or itching sensation and perhaps some bleeding as well. Millions of people suffer from hemorrhoids. There are over-the-counter remedies to reduce the swelling and itching. Surgery could be required in extreme cases. Having frequent diarrhea can contribute to the development of hemorrhoids in a couple of ways.

One of the common causes of hemorrhoids is straining during a bowel movement. This causes the veins and tissue around the anus to stretch out, and when blood pools in the area a hemorrhoid is formed. Having diarrhea can provoke excessive straining.

Proper cleaning of the anus is important to prevent hemorrhoids. Wiping too hard or excessively can cause the same kind of swelling as straining can. Frequent diarrhea can cause a superfluous amount of wiping, leading to the formation of hemorrhoids.

People of any age can develop hemorrhoids. It is not an uncommon problem for teenagers, especially if their lifestyle is putting them at risk. One cause of hemorrhoids is sitting for long periods of time. Teenagers who spend too many hours on the computer or playing video games are more likely to have problems with hemorrhoids than active teens. Teenagers should exercise for at least 20-30 minutes a day and take a break to walk around if they have been sitting for too long.

Diet is also a potential cause of this condition. Too many teens are not eating nutritious foods. A diet that is high in fiber and includes fresh fruit and vegetables can help prevent hemorrhoids. Teenagers also need to make sure they are staying hydrated throughout the day.

If you are a teen or a parent of a teen with hemorrhoids there is no need to panic or feel embarrassed. In most cases the condition is mild and easy to treat at home. But if the symptoms do not improve or if they get worse a doctor should be consulted right away.

Having a hemorrhoid is never pleasant, especially when you have one that won’t stop bleeding. If you experience a recurrence in bleeding, there’s a good chance your hemorrhoid isn’t properly healing. Straining due to constipation is the most likely cause of such flare-ups. In order to prevent constipation, doctors recommend a diet rich in fiber, which includes foods such as fruit, vegetables and whole grains. Fiber supplements may also be taken.

Along with the addition of fiber to your diet, you should also drink plenty of fluids. Medications such as stool softeners and laxatives will also help with constipation. If you find that your hemorrhoid is still bleeding, make sure to avoid sitting for long periods of time or scratching the area and limit the amount of time spent on the toilet. By avoiding constipation and taking the proper steps at home, you can help the healing process, ensuring that there’s no additional bleeding. If you continue to experience bleeding and home treatments aren’t working, a trip to the doctor may be necessary.

Mistakenly, hemorrhoids are sometimes thought of as a condition that only middle-aged people or older people develop, but you may be surprised to find quite a few teenagers and young adults also have this condition. They are frequent in people at any an every age group, and no age group is an exception.

The causes of hemorrhoids are extremely varied and include sitting too much, eating a poor diet, stress, pregnancy, straining during bowel movements, or even just being a little overweight. The good news is hemorrhoids are not typically serious and can be cleared up relatively easy. Almost half the people in the United States suffer from hemorrhoids at some point in their life, so it is not uncommon to develop them.

Talking to a doctor and getting professional advice, as well as looking at treatment options and diet changes through online research can all provide useful, viable information.

While hemorrhoids can be an uncomfortable part of pregnancy, it is not an indication of pregnancy, nor will every woman experience hemorrhoids. Many factors can cause them to appear, not just pregnancy. Not every pregnant woman experiences hemorrhoids, and not all hemorrhoids are due to pregnancy. Hemorrhoids are, however, more common during early pregnancy because hormones slow down the digestive system and women begin taking iron-rich prenatal vitamins.

Both of these can lead to constipation or harder stools, causing the expectant mother to strain during a bowel movement. Since straining during a bowel movement is one cause of hemorrhoids, pregnant women are at greater risk. Hemorrhoids are also common during late pregnancy due to hormones and the increased size of the baby. Women can also develop hemorrhoids during childbirth due to straining. The only way to know with certainty if you are pregnant is to see your doctor for a blood or urine test.

An area of inflamed tissue and blood vessels in the lower rectum is known as a hemorrhoid. If the hemorrhoid cannot be seen or felt, it is an internal hemorrhoid. An internal hemorrhoid is often not treated due to the absence of symptoms. Some patients notice blood on the toilet paper or commode and may experience a feeling of fullness after a bowel movement. However, generally no itching or pain is observed.

External hemorrhoids are painful, especially with prolonged sitting or constipation. Symptoms may also include bleeding and itching. The muscles of the anus often squeeze the hemorrhoid causing pain. Severe pain may be caused from a blood clot formed within the hemorrhoid caused by blood pooling. External hemorrhoids often produced itching and skin irritation because of seeping mucus that irritates the anal skin. An urge for a bowel movement is produced by a bulging hemorrhoid in the anal canal.

Hemorrhoids can be removed with the use of a laser. Laser surgery for hemorrhoids has actually become quite common in the past few years. The reason a laser is used to remove hemorrhoids is to cause less pain to the patient as well as providing a faster recovery period for the patient. Studies have shown that the patient will deal with post-surgery pain whether laser surgery is performed or scalpel surgery is performed. The laser removes the hemorrhoids and then seals the remaining tissue and blood vessels.

As with every surgery, there are some risks involved when a patient chooses to have laser surgery to remove the unwanted hemorrhoids. However, the risks are actually no greater than having a scalpel surgery performed to remove the hemorrhoids. Before having the laser surgery procedure performed, the patient should speak with their physician to make sure that the decisions is right for them.

Hemorrhoids can be caused by continued pressure being placed on the buttocks, so it is possible that extensive bicycling could be causing the return of hemorrhoids. The pressure of sitting combined with the bumps and jolts experienced along the way could very well also be further irritating an existing problem. Increasing your daily intake of water, combined with a high daily intake of fiber could help this issue. Using an over the counter cream to reduce inflammation prior to bicycling would also be a good idea.

If it is an option, consider taking a break from riding for 5 to 10 minutes every so often and walk, to relieve pressure placed directly on the bottom from prolonged periods of sitting. The main issues are still going to be avoiding constipation by getting an adequate amount of healthy fluids like water, and the appropriate amount of fiber. You may also consider taking a break from bicycling every few days or so.

Since hemorrhoids are so common during pregnancy, most OB/GYNs are familiar with them and how to treat them. However, a gynecologist is an expert in the female’s reproductive system, so he may not be the best choice for a doctor. Your general doctor, gastroenterologist or proctologist would be better choices to discuss hemorrhoids. If you have a scheduled appointment with your OB/GYN for your pregnancy or other reason, you can bring up the subject and ask for help. Your gynecologist can decide if he will treat you or refer you to another doctor.

If you do not have a scheduled appointment, call your general doctor for advice. He will tell you if you can see him or if you should see a specialist. Usually only severe or chronic hemorrhoid cases see a specialist for help. Your general doctor can help you get relief and give you ways to prevent hemorrhoids from forming.