For many women, having hemorrhoids can feel embarrassing, often leading to avoidance of medical consultation despite its importance. Understanding this concern, Dr. Narasara Wittyapipat, a laparoscopic surgery specialist at Phyathai 3 Hospital, encourages all women to get checked. Hemorrhoids are not as shameful as they may think.
What Causes Hemorrhoids?
There isn’t a definitive cause, but they typically arise from increased pressure in the abdominal area. This pressure can be caused by straining during bowel movements, especially in patients with constipation. Other conditions, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can also create pressure in the thoracic cavity.
Using Your Phone While on the Toilet: A Risky Habit!
Spending time on your phone while using the toilet can prolong your stay and lead to incomplete bowel movements. This can result in excessive straining—some individuals may strain up to ten times during a single visit!
Common Symptoms When Visiting the Doctor
Hemorrhoids come in various stages. Patients often present with bleeding, usually at stages 1 or 2, where treatment might only require medication without the need for surgery. However, stages 3 and 4 may necessitate surgical intervention.
How Long Does It Take for Hemorrhoids to Progress?
The progression of hemorrhoids varies. For instance, a patient with stage 2 hemorrhoids may experience increased severity to stage 3 after straining during bowel movements.
Surgery for Hemorrhoids Isn’t as Painful as You Think: The Painless Surgery Technique
Hemorrhoids can be either internal or external. Internal hemorrhoid surgeries use various techniques that typically involve less pain compared to external hemorrhoids, which tend to be more painful. Automatic suturing techniques can significantly reduce pain for patients undergoing these procedures.
How long does a patient need to recover after surgery?
After surgery, if a patient wishes to go home the same day, it is possible! However, if there are no urgent matters, the doctor recommends staying for at least one night in the hospital for observation.
Is there a chance of recurrence after hemorrhoid surgery?
After the surgery, the patient may still experience slight discomfort but can normally pass stool or exert themselves as usual. Regarding the possibility of recurrence, it is not commonly seen. If recurrence does occur, it typically takes about 3-5 years. Nevertheless, patients should also make lifestyle changes to reduce their risk.
“No matter what the illness, it’s essential to consult a doctor for thorough diagnosis. Sometimes, it may not be hemorrhoids at all. In some cases, upon examination, it may be found to be colorectal cancer or anal cancer. In other cases, it may be an abscess, which is relatively common since the symptoms can be similar. Patients often have difficulty distinguishing between these conditions. Early detection in the initial stages can mean that treatment may not even require surgery!”
Dr. Norrasa Vithayaphiphat
Specialist Surgeon in Endoscopic Surgery
High Technology Surgical Center
Phyathai 3 Hospital
