Understanding the Difference Between Internal and External Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids — inflamed veins around the anus or in the lower rectum —  aren’t fun to think or talk about, but if you’re living with them, it’s truly challenging.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a hemorrhoid, rest assured that you’re far from alone. About 1 in 20 Americans are impacted by hemorrhoids, and almost half of individuals over age 50 experience hemorrhoids. 

Fortunately, the talented and caring team at Eisenman & Eisenman, MD Advanced Gastro Consultants can help if you suspect you have hemorrhoids or you’re in full-on hemorrhoid misery. 

We offer advanced treatments and thoughtful consultations for patients coping with hemorrhoids, and the sophisticated medical equipment we have right here in our Palm Beach office ensures you receive a diagnostic and treatment experience focused on you.

How hemorrhoids happen

Uncomfortable hemorrhoids result from a variety of reasons, but they all involve pressure:

• Straining when you have a bowel movement
• Spending lengthy periods sitting on the toilet
• Lifting something heavy
• Living with chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Soiling

Your risk for hemorrhoids increases if you’re over age 50 or you eat a fiber-deficient diet. Pregnant women also frequently experience hemorrhoids because of the pressure caused by the growing baby. 

Hemorrhoid discomfort can make it impossible to do your favorite activities, like riding your bike or even sitting for long periods, so you can work.

There are two types of hemorrhoids

It’s important to understand that there are two kinds of hemorrhoids, and the type you’re coping with will determine what specific symptoms you’ll experience and your treatment. 

External hemorrhoids are those that develop under the skin in the anal area. These hemorrhoids cause symptoms like:

• Pain, itching, and irritation around the anus
• Swelling around the anus
• Bleeding
• Soiling

It’s also possible for blood to pool in an external hemorrhoid and create a clot, or thrombus. When this happens, you may notice swelling, inflammation, and intense pain. It manifests as a hardened lump around the anus. 

Internal hemorrhoids emerge inside your rectum. They’re usually symptomless, but can also lead to bleeding. An internal hemorrhoid also has the potential to push through the anus (a protruding or prolapsed hemorrhoid), which is painful.  

How are hemorrhoids treated?

If you experience any of these symptoms and wonder if you may be dealing with a hemorrhoid, book a visit to Eisenman & Eisenman MD, Advanced Gastro Consultants. We can evaluate you for external hemorrhoids and have a specially designed instrument — an anoscope — to detect internal hemorrhoids. 

Some patients’ hemorrhoids don’t require any treatment, but if yours are causing pain or making bowel movements problematic, getting them addressed is a must.

Our practice is proud to offer an innovative hemorrhoid treatment approach called the CRH O’Regan System, which is not only nonsurgical but also doesn’t require an uncomfortable recovery period, unlike what’s needed after traditional hemorrhoid surgery.

When you visit us for this treatment, your Eisenman & Eisenman, MD, Advanced Gastro Consultants physician uses a device that provides suction power to close off the blood supply to your hemorrhoid by placing a rubber band around its base.

The procedure offers numerous benefits to patients:

• No anesthesia is necessary
• Painless 
• Most insurance plans cover this treatment
• Brief treatment time is only 30-60 seconds per session
• Typically, just three treatment sessions are recommended
• Safe procedure with very low (1%) complication rate
• No post-treatment follow-up care is necessary
• Success rate of over 99%

Once hemorrhoid pain arrives, it’s hard to think about anything else. When you’re freed from hemorrhoid itchiness and pain, stress about soiling, and painful time in the bathroom, you’ll feel like you have a new lease on life. 

Even better? Under 5 percent of people who undergo treatment with the CRH O’Regan System experience a hemorrhoid recurrence within two years. 

You can learn more about the CRH O’Regan System treatment for hemorrhoids by watching this brief video. 

Get help with hemorrhoids in Lake Worth, Florida

You don’t have to — and shouldn’t — live with hemorrhoid pain, bleeding, and other life-limiting symptoms. With the CRH O’Regan System treatment, you can live life fully and comfortably again. Getting adequate fiber intake and staying well hydrated boosts the success of your procedure, too.

Contact our Lake Worth office at 561-753-7487 to schedule a consultation or book one online.