This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.The best treatment for piles depends on the severity of your condition. In many cases, piles can be treated at home with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications.1 However, if your symptoms are severe or do not improve with home treatment, you may need to see a doctor for more advanced treatment.Here are some of the most common treatments for piles:
Lifestyle changes: Eating a high-fiber diet, drinking plenty of fluids, and exercising regularly can help to soften your stools and make them easier to pass, which can reduce the strain on your rectum and anus.2
Over-the-counter medications: There are a number of over-the-counter medications that can help to relieve the symptoms of piles, such as pain relievers, stool softeners, and creams or ointments that can reduce inflammation and itching.3
Rubber band ligation: This is a minimally invasive procedure in which a small rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply.4 The hemorrhoid will then shrink and fall off within a few days.
Sclerotherapy: This is a procedure in which a chemical solution is injected into the hemorrhoid to shrink it.5
Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the hemorrhoid.6
If you are experiencing symptoms of piles, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and discuss the best treatment options for you.Here are some resources that you may find helpful:
The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS): This website has a searchable database of colorectal surgeons in the United States.7
The American College of Surgeons (ACS): This website also has a searchable database of surgeons, including colorectal surgeons.8
Your insurance company: Your insurance company may have a list of preferred providers in your area.
Your primary care physician: Your primary care physician can refer you to a proctologist or colorectal surgeon.9
When choosing a doctor, you may want to consider the following factors:
Experience: How many years of experience does the doctor have in treating piles?
Board certification: Is the doctor board certified in proctology or colorectal surgery?
Hospital affiliation: Does the doctor have admitting privileges at a hospital you prefer?
Patient reviews: What are other patients saying about the doctor?
You can also ask your friends, family, or other healthcare providers for recommendations.It is important to see a doctor for piles if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
Rectal bleeding
Anal pain
Itching or burning around the anus
A lump or swelling in the anus
Difficulty having a bowel movement
Piles are a common condition, and most cases can be treated successfully. However, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and discuss the best treatment options for you.