Hemorrhoids FAQ Forest Hills
Get answers to common hemorrhoid questions from Dr. Yuriy Israel. Learn about treatment, sleeping positions, healing time, and pregnancy care.
Treatment Options
Q:
Can hemorrhoids be removed during a colonoscopy?
A:
There are many ways to remove hemorrhoids, including banding, infrared laser, and surgical removal. However, during a colonoscopy, it’s generally not advisable to remove hemorrhoids using banding or laser. This is because the internal hemorrhoids are close to the skin of the anus, and treating them while you’re asleep could cause severe pain. We prefer to bring you back for a separate session when you’re awake, so you can guide us to prevent any pain.
Q:
How long does it take for hemorrhoids to go away?
A:
External hemorrhoids usually take about three to four weeks to fully go away, provided you avoid aggravating them. Pushing and straining due to constipation, heavy lifting, or prolonged sitting can aggravate hemorrhoids. Maintaining soft stools with laxatives and avoiding heavy lifting can help them heal faster.
Living With Hemorrhoids
Q:
How to sleep with hemorrhoids?
A:
Hemorrhoidal pain comes from external hemorrhoids when they get thrombosed. Unfortunately, there is no best position. Sometimes just touching the hemorrhoid may hurt, so sleeping on your back may not be the greatest. You might try sleeping on your belly or side. If you cannot see your proctologist or gastroenterologist soon, you can use over-the-counter numbing creams like lidocaine to reduce pain and ensure a good night’s sleep.
Q:
Can hemorrhoids cause stomach pain?
A:
No, hemorrhoids cause pain locally around your anus. If you’re experiencing stomach pain, it is likely due to another issue that needs to be addressed.
Common Concerns
Q:
Can hemorrhoids cause cancer?
A:
Hemorrhoids cannot cause cancer. They are blood vessels that get inflamed and cause local pain around the anus. If you’re having abdominal pain, it is unrelated to hemorrhoids and should be addressed separately.
Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
Q:
How to treat hemorrhoids during pregnancy?
A:
During pregnancy, we can use topical treatments like hydrocortisone cream and lidocaine cream, which are safe and do not enter the bloodstream. Over-the-counter measures like Preparation H suppositories and Tucks medicated wipes, which contain witch hazel, can also be effective. It’s important to avoid oral medications that could harm the baby or enter breast milk if you’re breastfeeding.
Q:
Is it safe to use Preparation H suppositories while pregnant?
A:
During pregnancy, we can use topical treatments like hydrocortisone cream and lidocaine cream, which are safe and do not enter the bloodstream. Over-the-counter measures like Preparation H suppositories and Tucks medicated wipes, which contain witch hazel, can also be effective.