Anal pain can be both distressing and embarrassing at the same time.
As inconvenient as this discomfort is, it is important that you know how it can be treated and what factors could be causing it. This knowledge can help you be proactive in preventing anal pain from interrupting your life in the future.
What Causes Anal Pain?
Many incidences of anal pain are caused by internal and external hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are veins that are swollen and bulge outside of the anal canal. They bring with them distressing symptoms like burning, itching, bleeding, and pain when sitting.
While hemorrhoids are inconvenient and painful, they are also easily treated. Even if you have had no luck reducing their appearance or symptoms with over-the-counter products, you could still have them eliminated by undergoing medical treatment for them.
Treatment for Anal Pain
Anal pain that is caused by hemorrhoids is often treated with one of several different treatment options. If you prefer minimally invasive treatment, you could opt for infrared coagulation.
Also known as IRC, infrared coagulation involves infrared light being directed at the internal hemorrhoid being treated. The light stops the flow of blood to the tissue and causes the hemorrhoid to die.
Another option you have is hemorrhoid banding. During this procedure, the doctor places rubber bands around the base of each hemorrhoid being treated. The bands cut off the blood flow, causing the hemorrhoids to die. The veins that remain in place will not bulge outside of the anal canal.
If you are a not a good candidate for less invasive procedures, you could opt for a hemorroidectomy. A hemorrhoidectomy is the surgical removal of a hemorrhoid. This procedure is more invasive and requires a lengthier recovery period. However, it is effective in removing hemorrhoids that are causing you pain and embarrassment.
You and your physician can determine the best form of hemorrhoid treatment for your situation. The treatment you receive will depend on the number and severity of your internal hemorrhoids.
Recovering from Hemorrhoid Treatment
Regardless of the type of hemorrhoid treatment you undergo, it is important that you prepare yourself for the recovery period at home. Most hemorrhoid treatments are administered on outpatient basis. They are also relatively simple and fast to recover from as long as you follow your doctor's instructions.
Most doctors will tell hemorrhoid surgery patients to drink more water and eat a high fiber diet during their recovery periods. You also may be told to use a stool softener and take a fiber supplement to keep your bowel movements soft.
Your physician likewise may tell you to avoid heavy lifting and straining until you are fully healed. Straining and heavy lifting could cause bleeding in the treated area.
The anal pain treatments available to you today can effectively eliminate painful and embarrassing symptoms.