What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed veins in the rectum and anus that cause discomfort, pain, and bleeding. If you feel you might have hemorrhoids, consult with a physician who can provide an examination for the most accurate diagnosis and treatments available. Treatment plans for hemorrhoids help avoid issues like colon and anal cancer. If you are experiencing rectal bleeding, it could be the early warning sign you need to take action and treat your hemorrhoids before they cause more serious issues. Anal cancer is curable if caught early enough.
A local hemorrhoid doctor’s evaluation is necessary to assess the extent of your issues and develop and develop the right treatment plan.
Approximately half of all Americans experience piles by age 50. When present in the anal canal, plies are referred to as “internal hemorrhoids.” When located under the skin around the anus, they are called “external hemorrhoids.” If they progress into a thrombus (blood clot), they can cause severe pain and inflammation.
Visit our Chicago hemorrhoids doctors for the best hemorrhoid treatments, including laser treatments. Emergency appointments are always available at our Chicago vein clinic.
Treatments for hemorrhoids available at Chicago Vein Institute
At Chicago Vein Institute, our doctors are top-rated Chicago vein doctors. They are also best-in-class hemorrhoid specialists with many years of experience. We offer varying hemorrhoidal disease treatments like minimally invasive laser hemorrhoid treatments and other effective treatment options.
In mild cases, topical solutions and non-invasive options like sitz baths and laxatives can alleviate hemorrhoids symptoms.
In other cases, IRC (Infrared Coagulation), hemorrhoid banding, or surgeries can be performed to remove piles and hemorrhoids. Your hemorrhoid doctor’s complete evaluation is essential to accurately diagnose your issues and develop a treatment plan geared towards your needs.
Laser treatment for hemorrhoids
Laser is among the most desirable treatments for because it is non-surgical, minimally invasive, and requires the least downtime out of all. Laser hemorrhoid removal is shown to be effective and acts fast to correct the issue. Our best-in-class Chicago vein doctors have treated many patients successfully.
Laser treatment works using infrared light, a laser, or an electric current. Infrared coagulation is done on an outpatient basis at one of our Chicago vein centers. Mild sedation can be used when needed and treatment usually only takes a few minutes.

Are there different types of hemorrhoids?
There are two main types of hemorrhoids; internal and external.
Internal Hemorrhoids
An internal hemorrhoid is located far inside the rectum. You cannot see or feel them directly and they don’t usually cause pain because there aren’t many nerve endings in that area. Symptoms of internal hemorrhoids that can help you diagnose them are blood on your feces and prolapsed tissue (sometimes with pain) that present as moist, pink bumps in the surrounding area.
External Hemorrhoids
External hemorrhoids are located just under the surface of the skin around the anus, where there are more pain-sensitive nerves and thus more pain and discomfort. Symptoms of external hemorrhoids include pain, bleeding, itching, and swelling in the area.
Thrombosed Hemorrhoids
When an external hemorrhoid starts to clot, it can become “thrombosed,” turning a deep blue or purple color. When this happens, severe pain, itching, and bleeding are common and treatment is necessary as soon as possible.
Frequently asked hemorrhoid questions:
What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?
Some symptoms include:
- Itching
- Visible lumps or lumps you can feel around the anus
- Pain during bowel movements
- Irritation, redness, and pain around the anus
- Pain while sitting
When should I see a doctor?
What causes hemorrhoids?
What types of hemorrhoids are there?
Internal hemorrhoids
An internal hemorrhoid is located far inside the rectum. You cannot see or feel them directly and they don’t usually cause pain because there aren’t many nerve endings in that area. Symptoms of internal hemorrhoids that can help you diagnose them are blood on your feces and prolapsed tissue (sometimes with pain) that present as moist, pink bumps in the surrounding area.
External hemorrhoids
External hemorrhoids are located just under the surface of the skin around the anus, where there are more pain-sensitive nerves and thus more pain and discomfort. Symptoms of external hemorrhoids include pain, bleeding, itching, and swelling in the area.
Thrombosed hemorrhoids
When an external hemorrhoid starts to clot, it can become “thrombosed,” turning a deep blue or purple color. When this happens, severe pain, itching, and bleeding are common and treatment is necessary as soon as possible.