By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Hemorrhoids are a common anorectal condition that can cause pain, itching, swelling, and rectal bleeding. One of the most frequently asked questions by patients is: How long do hemorrhoids last? The answer depends on the type of hemorrhoid, symptom severity, and the timing of treatment.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, approximately 1 in 20 Americans experience hemorrhoids, and nearly 50% of adults over age 50 will develop them at some point. Hemorrhoids occur when veins in the anus or lower rectum become enlarged due to increased pressure.
Internal hemorrhoids form inside the rectum and are often painless but may cause bleeding. External hemorrhoids develop beneath the skin around the anus and are more likely to cause discomfort, itching, swelling, and tenderness. In some cases, external hemorrhoids become thrombosed, meaning a blood clot forms, leading to more severe pain.
The Mayo Clinic states that hemorrhoids develop when “pressure increases in the lower rectum,” often caused by straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation or diarrhea, pregnancy, obesity, prolonged sitting, heavy lifting, or low dietary fiber intake.
Most mild hemorrhoids improve within 48 to 72 hours with conservative care and typically resolve within one week. Moderate hemorrhoids may persist for one to two weeks. Thrombosed external hemorrhoids can take two to three weeks to fully resolve, although pain usually peaks within the first few days.
First-line treatment includes increased fiber intake, adequate hydration, warm sitz baths, and over-the-counter topical therapies. These measures reduce straining and improve symptom relief.
When conservative treatment fails, clinicians may recommend minimally invasive, office-based procedures such as rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, or infrared coagulation for internal hemorrhoids. Surgical hemorrhoidectomy is generally reserved for severe or recurrent cases that do not respond to other treatments.
Medical evaluation is recommended for persistent symptoms or rectal bleeding. Colorectal surgeon Dr. Michael Valente of the Cleveland Clinic advises, “Patients with rectal bleeding should be evaluated to rule out other conditions” (Cleveland Clinic).
In summary: Hemorrhoids are common and usually self-limited, but persistent or worsening symptoms require medical assessment to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.