Hemorrhoids Specialist

Kevin McNamara, MD

Board Certified Gastroenterologist located in Tulsa, OK

You may find hemorrhoids an embarrassing problem, but they’re very common, affecting 1 out of every 20 in the United States. And your risk of developing hemorrhoids increases as you get older, affecting half of all adults 50 and older. Though symptoms vary, if your hemorrhoids cause pain that interferes with your daily life or they’re a recurring problem, board-certified gastroenterologist Kevin McNamara, MD, can provide the care you need to alleviate your symptoms. To schedule an appointment at his private practice in Tulsa, Oklahoma, call or book online today.

918-215-2971

Hemorrhoids Q&A

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are bulging and swollen blood vessels that develop around your anus or the lower portion of your rectum. The tissue found in your rectum stretches the blood vessels, causing the walls of the blood vessels to weaken and bleed. When pressure and stretching of the tissue continues, the blood vessels protrude, leading to hemorrhoids.

You may be at risk of developing hemorrhoids if you suffer from chronic constipation or diarrhea, spend too much time sitting on the toilet, or need to strain during a bowel movement. Aging and pregnancy are also risk factors for the development of hemorrhoids.

What are the types of hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are classified by type based on their location. The type of hemorrhoids you have also plays a role in the symptoms you experience.

Hemorrhoid types include:

External hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids form around the sensitive skin of your anus. With external hemorrhoids, you may experience itching or aching when you sit.

Though not always painful, if your external hemorrhoid forms a blood clot, referred to as a thrombosed hemorrhoid, you may experience excruciating pain and discomfort. Thrombosed hemorrhoids may also bleed.

Internal hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids develop in the lining of your anus or lower rectum and don’t usually cause pain. However, you may experience bleeding during a bowel movement. If your internal hemorrhoid prolapses and falls through the anal opening, you may feel pain and discomfort.

Though hemorrhoids are a common cause of rectal bleeding, it may also be a symptom of colon cancer and shouldn’t be ignored. You should contact Kevin McNamara, MD, to schedule an evaluation if you’re experiencing rectal bleeding.

How are hemorrhoids treated?

Treatment for your hemorrhoids may depend on the type and severity of your symptoms. In most cases, Dr. McNamara recommends nonsurgical treatments for hemorrhoids, which may include:

Increasing the fiber in your diet
Drinking more water
Not straining during a bowel movement
Soaking your hemorrhoids in a sitz bath 10-20 minutes a few times a day

Nonsurgical treatments may clear up your hemorrhoids within a week.

For internal hemorrhoids, Dr. McNamara may recommend hemorrhoid banding. For painful thrombosed hemorrhoids, he may surgically remove them with a small incision.

To schedule a consultation at Kevin McNamara, MD, to get help for your hemorrhoids, call the office or request an appointment using the online tool.

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