Gastroenterology Pearland, Houston, Bay City, Lake Jackson
Conditions
Hemorrhoids are a common condition affecting millions of Americans, causing discomfort, bleeding, and impact on quality of life. At Your GI Center, our board-certified gastroenterologists provide expert diagnosis and treatment for hemorrhoids, including hemorrhoid banding and other advanced therapies, at three convenient Southeast Texas locations in Houston, Bay City, and Lake Jackson. With extensive experience, state-of-the-art treatment options, and a compassionate approach, we help patients find lasting relief from hemorrhoid symptoms.
Hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed veins in the rectum and anus. While often uncomfortable and sometimes painful, hemorrhoids are usually not dangerous. The condition is extremely common—approximately half of adults will experience hemorrhoid symptoms by age 50. Despite their prevalence, many people feel embarrassed to discuss hemorrhoids, leading them to suffer unnecessarily rather than seeking treatment.
At Your GI Center, we create a comfortable, non-judgmental environment where you can discuss your symptoms openly. Our gastroenterologists have extensive experience treating hemorrhoids and are committed to helping you find relief.
Internal Hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum, where there are no pain sensing nerves. You usually can’t see or feel internal hemorrhoids, and they rarely cause discomfort. However, straining or irritation during bowel movements can damage the hemorrhoid surface, causing bleeding. Sometimes, straining can push an internal hemorrhoid through the anal opening (prolapsed hemorrhoid), causing pain and irritation.
External Hemorrhoids develop under the skin around the anus, where there are many pain-sensing nerves. External hemorrhoids can itch or bleed and become painful, especially if a blood clot forms (thrombosed external hemorrhoid). You may be able to see and feel external hemorrhoids as soft lumps around the anus.
Hemorrhoid symptoms vary depending on type and severity:
Hemorrhoids develop when increased pressure causes the veins around the anus to swell. Common causes and risk factors include:
Accurate diagnosis is essential because rectal bleeding can indicate other conditions requiring different treatment:
We discuss your symptoms, bowel habits, diet, and lifestyle factors. While hemorrhoids are common, it’s important not to assume all rectal bleeding is from hemorrhoids without proper evaluation.
External examination identifies external hemorrhoids. Digital rectal examination checks for internal hemorrhoids, anal fissures, abscesses, or tumors.
Using a short, lighted tube (anoscope), we can directly visualize internal hemorrhoids and assess their size and severity. This brief examination is typically performed in the office and causes minimal discomfort.
For patients with risk factors for colorectal cancer, those who haven’t had recent colon cancer screening, or when symptoms suggest other conditions, we may recommend flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. These procedures examine more of the colon to rule out polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, or other conditions that can cause rectal bleeding.
Treatment depends on hemorrhoid type, severity, and your symptoms:
Many hemorrhoids respond to conservative measures:
For internal hemorrhoids that don’t respond to conservative treatment, hemorrhoid banding is highly effective. This minimally invasive procedure is performed in our office:
For large hemorrhoids, multiple hemorrhoids, or those not responding to less invasive treatments, surgery may be recommended:
If you develop a painful blood clot in an external hemorrhoid within 72 hours, we may make a small incision to remove the clot, providing immediate relief. After 72 hours, the clot usually resolves on its own with conservative treatment.
You can reduce hemorrhoid risk through lifestyle modifications:
Contact our office if you experience:
Why Choose
We thoroughly evaluate your symptoms to ensure accurate diagnosis and rule out other conditions. Not all rectal bleeding is from hemorrhoids, and proper diagnosis is essential.
From conservative management through hemorrhoid banding and surgical referrals when needed, we provide complete hemorrhoid care tailored to your specific situation.
Our gastroenterologists have extensive experience performing hemorrhoid banding with high success rates and patient satisfaction.
We understand that discussing hemorrhoids can be embarrassing. We create a comfortable, respectful environment where you can discuss your symptoms openly.
With offices in Houston, Bay City, and Lake Jackson, expert hemorrhoid treatment is accessible close to home.
Don’t let hemorrhoid symptoms continue to affect your quality of life. Our experienced gastroenterologists provide effective treatment options to help you find lasting relief.
To schedule your appointment, call 1-888-292-0010 or contact your preferred location: