How Long Do Hemorrhoids Last
What are hemorrhoids and how long do hemorrhoids last? These are questions that more than half a million patients in the United States ask themselves every year. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus area. These swelling in this are causes itching, pain (especially while sitting or going to the bathroom), blood in your stool, or hard lumps in the affected area.
The length of time that hemorrhoids last will depend on several factors. One of the main factors in how long hemorrhoids last is whether or not you have ever had hemorrhoids before. For those for whom it is the first time, it is generally easy to get rid of them within a couple of days. The second or third time usually lasts anywhere from four to five days. From these experiences on, hemorrhoids will usually last about a week.
Hemorrhoids are caused by a heightened pressure in the veins in the lower rectal area. The pressure makes the veins get bigger, which in turn causes the pain and discomfort being felt by sufferers. Hemorrhoids are caused most often by straining during bowel movements, constipation, infection, or sitting for too long. Hemorrhoids are also frequently found in pregnant women and following childbirth. They can occur as internal or external, which also can affect the time frame for getting rid of the hemorrhoids. If you have internal hemorrhoids that last upt to two months, they may have become prolapsed. External hemorrhoids can be thrombosed and this extends the period of suffering up to three months.
The hemorrhoids can be detected by a doctor simply by looking in the area. They are treated by over-the-counter corticosteroid creams which work to decrease the ache and the swelling. Creams may also include witch hazel or lidocaine. To speed healing, you should also wear cotton underwear and try not to scratch or irritate the affected area. Hemorrhoids will also last less time if you can take sitz baths in warm water for around 15 minutes. If the hemorrhoids do not get better with over the counter treatments, infrared coagulation can be used by a surgeon or doctor. If this still does not work, surgery may be required, but this is usually reserved for those in extreme pain or who experience bleeding that cannot be treated another way. Overall, however, you can expect a typical case of hemorrhoids to last around a week.
