Hemorrhoids are extremely common, but symptoms like itching, discomfort, or rectal bleeding can still feel alarming. The good news: mild cases often clear up with simple home care. But how do you know when it’s time to loop in a doctor instead of waiting it out?
Below, we break down the signs that point to home care, a routine visit, or care you shouldn’t put off so you can decide what’s next and, if needed, book the right appointment.
Key takeaways
- Mild hemorrhoid symptoms often improve with home care over about a week.
- See a doctor for bleeding during bowel movements, symptoms that aren’t improving, or any significant change in symptoms.
- Large amounts of rectal bleeding, or bleeding along with dizziness or faintness, can be an emergency.
- A sudden, painful lump near the anus should be checked sooner.
- Don’t assume all rectal bleeding is “just hemorrhoids,” because it can have other causes, such as colon cancer.
When should you see a doctor for hemorrhoids?
See a doctor if you have bleeding during bowel movements, symptoms that aren’t improving after about a week of home treatment, or any significant change in your symptoms. Rectal bleeding can come from hemorrhoids, but it can also have other causes, including colon cancer.
According to research from the American Cancer Society, the incidence of colon cancer is rising by 3% per year in people aged 20 to 49 and 0.4% per year in people aged 50 to 64. It is important to get checked to confirm what’s going on and to catch early signs of colon cancer before it progresses.
Can hemorrhoids go away on their own?
Yes, many hemorrhoid symptoms improve with time and basic home treatment. Simple steps like eating more fiber and drinking more fluids often ease symptoms. Mild cases frequently respond to home care.
That said, this doesn’t mean any rectal bleeding should be brushed off automatically. If bleeding is happening, it should be evaluated.
What hemorrhoid symptoms mean you should get checked sooner?
Some symptoms are worth acting on rather than waiting them out. Consider booking a visit if you notice:
- Rectal bleeding, especially during bowel movements
- Symptoms that aren’t improving after about a week
- A sudden change in your symptoms
- Significant or worsening pain
- A painful lump around the anus
- Symptoms that keep coming back
- Symptoms that feel worse instead of better
Ready to be seen? You can compare primary care doctors, gastroenterologists, or urgent care and book online today.
When is rectal bleeding from hemorrhoids an emergency?
Not all hemorrhoid-related bleeding is an emergency. Small amounts on the toilet paper are common with hemorrhoids. But heavy bleeding is different.
Seek emergency care for large amounts of rectal bleeding or bleeding paired with lightheadedness, dizziness, or faintness.
What if it’s a thrombosed hemorrhoid?
A thrombosed external hemorrhoid occurs when a blood clot is formed in the external hemorrhoid, leading to sudden, severe pain and a hard lump near the anus.
If you’re dealing with intense pain and a new lump, that’s a clear reason to get checked sooner rather than trying to push through it. A clinician can confirm what it is and talk about options for relief.
When can you treat hemorrhoids at home?
Home care may be reasonable when symptoms are mild, improving, and not paired with heavy bleeding or severe pain.
Common treatment measures include:
- Eating more fiber
- Drinking more fluids
- Avoiding straining
- Limiting time on the toilet
- Warm sitz baths
- Over-the-counter creams or suppositories for short-term relief
If symptoms continue to improve over about a week, home care may be all you need. If they don’t, that’s your cue to book a doctor appointment.
What causes hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids often come from extra pressure in the lower rectal area.
Common causes include:
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea
- Straining during bowel movements
- Sitting on the toilet too long
- Pregnancy
- A low-fiber diet
- Aging
- Lifting heavy objects
Knowing the contributors can help, but it doesn’t change the basic decision: home care for the mild, improving symptoms, and a doctor visit for bleeding or symptoms that linger.
What kind of doctor should you see for hemorrhoids?
Primary care is often a reasonable first step for hemorrhoid symptoms. A primary care doctor can evaluate symptoms, suggest treatment, and refer you to a specialist if needed.
A gastroenterologist evaluation is recommended for persistent symptoms, rectal bleeding that needs more evaluation, or recurring issues. For advanced treatment, a colon and rectal surgeon may get involved, but that’s usually a later step.
Urgent care can be used for time-sensitive symptoms or when you simply want to be seen soon.
What happens at an appointment for hemorrhoids?
At a hemorrhoid appointment, a clinician will likely ask about bleeding, pain, bowel habits, constipation, straining, and whether your symptoms are improving or worsening.
The evaluation may include looking for external hemorrhoids, a digital rectal exam, and sometimes a scope exam to look inside the anus or rectum for internal hemorrhoids.
The goal is to confirm the cause and rule out other reasons for rectal bleeding. These routine exams are quick and thorough.
How do you find the right doctor for hemorrhoids?
A few questions can point you toward the right type and timing of care:
- Is it mild itching and discomfort, or real pain?
- Is there rectal bleeding?
- Are symptoms improving, or have they lasted more than a week?
- Do you want the soonest available visit?
- Should you start with primary care, urgent care, or gastroenterology?
- Would an in-person or virtual visit work better?
- Does the provider take your insurance?
On Zocdoc, you can filter by your insurance, read verified patient reviews, see real-time availability, and book online. (New to it? Here’s how Zocdoc works for patients.)
The bottom line
Hemorrhoids often get better with home treatment, but persistent symptoms, significant pain, or rectal bleeding are worth getting checked. The next step depends on how severe your symptoms are, whether bleeding is involved, and whether things are improving.
If you’re ready to be seen, you can compare and book primary care doctors, gastroenterologists, or urgent care on Zocdoc.
FAQs
When should I see a doctor for hemorrhoids? See a doctor for bleeding during bowel movements, symptoms that aren’t improving after about a week of home care, or any significant change in symptoms. Significant or recurring pain is also a good reason to get checked.
When should I worry about hemorrhoid bleeding?
Small amounts of bleeding are common with hemorrhoids. On the other hand, large amounts of rectal bleeding or bleeding along with dizziness or faintness can be an emergency. Rectal bleeding shouldn’t be assumed to be hemorrhoids, since it can have other causes, such as colon cancer.
How long should hemorrhoids last before I see a doctor?
If symptoms aren’t improving after about a week of home treatment, it’s recommended to book a visit. Symptoms that keep coming back or feel worse over time should also be evaluated.
What if I have a painful lump from a hemorrhoid?
A sudden, painful lump near the anus may be a thrombosed external hemorrhoid. It’s important to get checked sooner rather than waiting it out.
What kind of doctor should I see for hemorrhoids?
Primary care is a first step. A gastroenterologist is recommended for persistent symptoms or bleeding that needs further evaluation. Urgent care can help when you want to be seen quickly.
The information in this article is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied on as medical advice. It is not intended as, and Zocdoc does not provide, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Zocdoc does not recommend any specific provider. Find one you’ll love on Zocdoc today.