Sclerotherapy Is A Common And Effective Internal Hemorrhoid Treatment
If you have internal hemorrhoids that bleed frequently or cause pain, your doctor might suggest a treatment to get rid of them. There are a few hemorrhoid treatments to consider, and the choice is often based on the grade, or severity, of your condition. If you have mild hemorrhoids, your doctor might recommend sclerotherapy. Here's how this internal hemorrhoid treatment works.
Sclerotherapy Cuts Off The Blood Supply
Sclerotherapy works by causing scar tissue to form around the hemorrhoid and its blood supply. The scar closes off the supply of blood as the scar gets bigger, and this causes the gradual shrinking and death of the hemorrhoid.
This treatment doesn't cause any harm to other tissues or vessels. When the hemorrhoid no longer has a blood supply to sustain it, the hemorrhoid shrivels and falls off.
The Treatment Is Easy To Endure
To perform this treatment, your doctor needs to insert a device that can hold your rectum open so they can see the hemorrhoids to inject them. Your doctor can treat more than one hemorrhoid at a time. The injections are given in an area that has few nerves, so the procedure isn't painful and you don't need any anesthesia.
Sclerotherapy has a low risk of side effects, and it's one of the more popular types of internal hemorrhoid treatments because it's a quick procedure, the risk of complications is low, and it's easy to tolerate.
The Recovery Time Is Short
Depending on the type of work you do, you might go back to work the next day. However, you'll need to limit straining and heavy lifting until your doctor says it's okay. You might have some bleeding after the procedure, and that's normal. You might have some pain that can be controlled with medication. You'll be able to bathe as soon as you want and resume most of your routine when you feel like it.
It may take a few treatments and several weeks for the hemorrhoid to completely shrivel and disappear, but you should notice relief from some of your symptoms in a few days.
Sclerotherapy Doesn't Prevent New Hemorrhoids
This hemorrhoid treatment eliminates the hemorrhoids you have, but it doesn't prevent new ones from forming. If you have problems with hemorrhoids frequently, you may need to make changes to your diet and lifestyle.
Your doctor can advise you on the changes to make that are compatible with any medical conditions you may have. If you can prevent new hemorrhoids from forming, you'll avoid the need to have treatments for them again that could include surgery.
For more information on internal hemorrhoid treatment, contact a professional near you.