If you suffer from hemorrhoids, you know how uncomfortable and painful they can be. Below are some natural and medical treatment options to help you deal with this problem and feel better.

Hemorrhoids

When you have hemorrhoids, the veins in your anal canal become swollen. If they only swell inside, it is called internal hemorrhoids. Sometimes they can also swell at the opening of the anus, and this is called external hemorrhoids. The most common symptoms of hemorrhoids are irritation and itchiness in the anal area. If the problem is not corrected and becomes worse, you will see blood on the toilet paper when you wipe.

Natural Treatment for Constipation

If you only have a mild case and do not have any bleeding, you may want to try some natural treatments. If the problem is due to constipation, you can add more fiber to your diet. Fiber comes in two types: Soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber bulks up the fecal material to allow it to pass through your intestines easier, and then insoluble fiber adds water to your stool to soften it up to make it easier to pass. Most foods high in fiber have a mixture of both types of fiber.

There are fruits that are high in fiber, such as oranges, berries, and apples. Vegetables are not only healthy for you, but eating more potatoes, squash, carrots, and broccoli adds more fiber to your diet. Swap out white bread to whole grain wheat bread, and eat oatmeal, bran, and brown rice. You can also get fiber from peanuts, walnuts, almonds, and sunflower seeds.

Drink enough water each day, which can also help with constipation. This is because it cleans out your intestines and helps with your bowel movements.

Medical Treatments for Hemorrhoids

If you continue to have problems with hemorrhoids, you should see your doctor. He or she may first try medication to see if it will take care of the problem. If not, there are surgical procedures he or she may suggest including:

• Hemorrhoid banding: With this surgical procedure, you doctor will place a small rubber band around one of your internal hemorrhoids. This will cut off the circulation to the hemorrhoid and cause it to die and fall off.  
• Sclerotherapy: With this type of procedure, your doctor will inject a solution into the hemorrhoids to help shrink them.
• Coagulation: This type of procedure uses laser or infrared heat or light on the internal hemorrhoids to harden them up. Once this happens, they will shrivel away and die.

If these procedures do not work for you, your doctor may suggest hemorrhoid surgery to remove the hemorrhoids.