Hemorrhoids can occur externally or internally. The pain from either kind of hemorrhoid has the ability to be debilitating. If you have severe pain, swelling, or bleeding, getting help is important.
When you go to your doctor for a diagnosis of hemorrhoids, you can expect at the very least that he will do a rectal examination. If he suspects internal hemorrhoids, he will do an internal rectal examination and possibly an exam with a long, thin tube (an anoscope) that will be inserted into your rectum. He can look through the end of the tube and into your anal canal to see any sign of piles or bleeding. He may also recommend a colonoscopy to determine if the issue is truly hemorrhoids or if there is another problem.
When you are diagnosed with internal hemorrhoids, there are many possible options:
• Rubber Band Ligation: A rubber band is placed at the base of the hem, cutting off the blood supply. Usually, this will make the hemorrhoid dry up and fall off in a few days.
• Injection Sclerotherapy: A chemical injection near the mucous membrane that is feeding the blood supply to the hemorrhoid closes the vein by causing inflammation. This will make the hemorrhoid shrink.
• Infrared Photocoagulation: Causes the hemorrhoid to shrink by using infrared light to clot the veins of the hemorrhoid.
• Laser Coagulation: A newer procedure where an electric current is applied to the hemorrhoid. It is done using an electric probe, which causes the blood supply to the hemorrhoid to stop, and makes any inflamed tissues shrink.
• Hemorrhoidectomy: This is where hemorrhoids are removed surgically from the anal canal.
Internal hemorrhoids need to be diagnosed by a doctor, and they can be controlled or even eliminated if the proper internal hemorrhoid treatment is used. The best internal hemorrhoid treatment will be determined by you and your doctor.