I Think I May Have A Hemerrhoid But The Picture

Posted on Sat, 16 Mar 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 16 Mar 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : i think i may have a hemerrhoid but the picture i took doesnt look like what i see in the illustrations online

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Thoughts on this

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

This could be an external hemorrhoid or it could be a polyp. The anal sphincter looks somewhat swollen in general. Are you having symptoms consistent with hemorrhoids (itching, irritation, bleeding after pooping) and do you have risk factors for them (older age, sitting or standing for long periods of time)?

Have you tried a hemorrhoid preparation such as Preparation H for the irritation?

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (29 minutes later)

yes i had a difficult BM about 4 days ago, a lot of straining. i have bleeding during BM rarely but when stool is hard, i ser blood streaks on paper and in bowl. no itching just throbbing, sometimes sharp pain if i sit incorrectly. using preparation H currently but worried i need to go to doc for something.

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
I recommend continuing with the Preparation H, and taking warm-hot sitz baths. Limit the amount of time that you sit or stand continuously (taking breaks frequently). And consider taking a stool softener (not a stimulant laxative) to help BMs pass more easily to decrease pressure on the tissues.

If the problem doesn't resolve with these changes, then it is time to go in to be seen. But do these things first, as it will be easier to sort out if further treatment is needed.

I hope this information helps.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (13 hours later)

i wasnt able to see the last part of the answer. if i see no change what do i do? can i go to an urgent care for a consult?

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
Here is the last part of the answer I wrote - I'm assuming this is what was cut off:
If the problem doesn't resolve with these changes, then it is time to go in to be seen. But do these things first, as it will be easier to sort out if further treatment is needed.

If no improvement, you can either go in to see your regular doctor (internal medicine or family practice) or go to an urgent care. But your regular doctor would be preferable, because if it needs further care, the urgent care may then send you to your primary doctor.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee