A Public Service Site from Esteem & Associates, Inc.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Are hemorrhoids cancerous or life threatening?

No. Hemorrhoids are more often than not an inconvenience, meaning discomfort, however when hemorrhoids get severe, as in prolapsed, they are quite painful and require immediate attention. Any blood in the stool would also require immediate attention.

Will I need surgery?

If you attend to the problem in its early stages, most likely surgery will be unnecessary. If your discomfort is too great you need a specialist to gauge the seriousness of the problem. Even then you may not require surgery. It depends on the severity of your problem.

Will I get hemorrhoids as a result of pregnancy?

80% of women do, but if you follow good preventative advice, you can avoid them.

Why is it hard to find information on hemorrhoids?

Up till recently, it has been a topic not discussed. Finally we beginning to deal with the shame aspects and health and nutritional aspects of bowel problems and more and more information is becoming available. So talk to your health professional.

I'm scared to have a bowel movement. What do I do?

Relax, because your fear may be holding you back. Check with your health practitioner and make sure that the following advice is correct for you. These things will make your bowel movement easier and less painful:

Drink 8 glasses or more of water each day.

Increase your fiber content - 70% of your diet should be vegetables

Use stool softeners when appropriate

Relaxation exercises or meditation to reduce stress.

I see blood in the toilet after every bowel movement, should I be worried about cancer?

Not necessarily. Blood in the stool appears as a result of a fissure which is a tear, mild to severe, in the rectal wall. These usually are not serious and when your bowels get regulated, the fissure will heal and the blood will disappear. As always, consult your doctor if the condition persists.

What do I do for the pain immediately?

Most discomfort will be soothed by creams, ointments or comfort devices.

I feel I have to strain to have a bowel movement. What can I do?

There is no reason why you should strain. Increase your fluids and fiber and the problem should go away by itself naturally. An enema or suppository can provide temporary relief.

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