Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideoOut 100
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
By about age 50, more than half of adults have dealt with hemorrhoids. The November issue of “Mayo Clinic Health Letter” covers home treatments that can relieve symptoms of this common and embarrassing problem.
[ WELLNESS WEDNESDAY ]
Hemorrhoids are blood-engorged veins in the lower rectum (anal canal) that form tiny sacs (anal cushions) when too much pressure is exerted on the veins serving the pelvic and rectal areas. Increased pressure can result from straining during bowel movements, sitting on the toilet for an extended time, chronic diarrhea or constipation, obesity, lifting heavy objects, sitting or standing for long periods, and pregnancy.
Symptoms can include painless bleeding during bowel movements, leakage of feces and mucus, severe pain, swelling, or inflammation. Embarrassment aside, it's important to talk with a doctor about any rectal bleeding. While hemorrhoids generally don't cause serious problems, other, more serious concerns, such as polyps, cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, can cause bleeding too. A colonoscopy may be needed to determine the cause of bleeding.
Mild pain, swelling, and inflammation from hemorrhoids often can be managed with self-care measures. Options include
>topical over-the-counter remedies. Nonprescription hemorrhoid creams, suppositories containing hydrocortisone, or pads containing witch hazel or a topical numbing agent may provide relief. They shouldn't be used longer than a week unless directed by a doctor.
>leanliness in anal area. Taking a warm sitz bath several times a day can be helpful. A sitz bath, where only the hips and buttocks are immersed, can be done in a regular bathtub or using a plastic tub that fits over the toilet. The tubs are readily available from medical supply stores and pharmacies.
>swelling relief. Ice packs or cold compresses on the anus can relieve swelling.
>pain relievers. Nonprescription pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) may provide relief.
>hydration and fiber. Softening and bulking up stool for easier passage is helpful. Strategies include drinking six to eight glasses of water or other nonalcoholic beverages daily, eating high-fiber foods, and taking fiber supplements such as Metamucil and Citrucel.
In addition, it's best to head for the bathroom when the urge occurs and to avoid straining or breath-holding when passing stools, since this strains the veins in the lower rectum.
When self-care measures don't work, a doctor can discuss several minimally invasive surgical procedures for consideration.
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Before AIDS, gay artist Rex drew hot men on the prowl — then he disappeared
April 11 2024 3:15 PM
Diets that mimic fasting reverse aging: study
March 07 2024 5:28 PM
The Most Amazing HIV Allies & Advocates of 2023
November 03 2023 12:51 PM
PrEP without a prescription now a reality in California
February 06 2024 8:37 PM
This OnlyFans Star Is Trying to Raise $100K to Fight HIV
December 26 2023 3:05 PM
Injectable HIV treatment, prevention: Everything you need to know
March 26 2024 3:28 PM
The naked Black body takes center stage in this HIV campaign
January 03 2024 1:07 PM
8 dating tips for gay men from a gay therapist
March 21 2024 2:50 PM
Mr. Gay World wants to make sure you're OK
January 02 2024 4:56 PM
Plus: Featured Video
Latest Stories
The government failed on mpox. Ritchie Torres's new bill addresses that
April 18 2024 1:21 PM
On Anal Sex Day, crack up with The Bottom's Digest
April 18 2024 10:22 AM
Todrick Hall has long supported the communities he comes from
April 17 2024 12:02 PM
Our May/June issue of Plus is here!
April 17 2024 12:00 PM
Giselle Byrd is taking center stage — and helping others do the same
April 10 2024 2:24 PM
Discover endless fun at The Pride Store: Games & electronics for all ages
April 09 2024 4:25 PM
Mean Girls' Daniel Franzese on playing an HIV+ character
April 09 2024 3:57 PM
HIV-positive Air Force, Navy servicemembers victorious in lawsuit
April 09 2024 3:02 PM
Unlocking a new level of beauty with Dr Botanicals' ethical skincare line
April 08 2024 3:40 PM
Unleash your wild side with The Pride Store’s beginner’s guide to kink
April 08 2024 3:35 PM
Why are mpox cases in the U.S. on the rise again?
April 08 2024 1:30 PM
Happy national foreskin day!
April 04 2024 1:45 PM
Adult entertainment icons Derek Kage & Cody Silver lead fight for free speech
April 03 2024 3:06 PM
LGBTQ+ patients twice as likely to face discrimination: survey
April 02 2024 4:57 PM
Spring into The Pride Store’s top new arrivals for April
April 02 2024 4:39 PM
Nashville PD Must Pay HIV-Positive Man Denied a Job
April 01 2024 6:22 PM
Common has a message on how to foster self-love
March 29 2024 7:33 PM
Listen to Dr. Levine: Take syphilis seriously
March 28 2024 6:40 PM
Breaking boundaries in gender-free fashion with Stuzo Clothing
March 27 2024 2:15 PM