What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen or irritated veins in the rectum or around the anus. They can cause discomfort, bleeding, itching, or pain during bowel movements.
While very common, persistent hemorrhoid symptoms shouldn’t be ignored, especially when they begin interfering with daily comfort.
What causes hemorrhoids to develop?
Hemorrhoids form when pressure builds in the rectal veins, causing them to stretch and swell.
Common causes include:
- Straining during bowel movements
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea
- Pregnancy
- Prolonged sitting
- Heavy lifting
- Low-fiber diets
According to the Cleveland Clinic, hemorrhoids are one of the most common causes of rectal bleeding in adults and often worsen over time without treatment.
Common symptoms and when to seek care
Hemorrhoid symptoms may include:
- Bright red bleeding during or after bowel movements
- Itching or burning around the anus
- Pain with sitting, wiping, or bowel movements
- A lump or swelling near the anus
- Mucus leakage or irritation
If symptoms persist for more than a few days, disrupt regular activity, or return frequently, it’s time to seek evaluation at Georgia Endovascular.
Please note: The Georgia Endovascular team only treats internal hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoid Types
There are three main types of hemorrhoids, including:
Internal hemorrhoids
These develop inside the rectum and are typically painless, though they often cause bleeding. In more advanced stages, they may prolapse and bulge outside the anus.
Prolapsed hemorrhoids
Prolapsed hemorrhoids extend out of the rectum and may cause irritation, mucus discharge, itching, or difficulty with hygiene.
Thrombosed hemorrhoids
These occur when a blood clot forms inside an external hemorrhoid, causing severe pain, swelling, and bluish discoloration. While not dangerous, they often require medical treatment for meaningful relief.
At Georgia Endovascular, our board-certified interventional radiologists exclusively treat internal hemorrhoids using precise, image-guided, minimally invasive techniques.
Minimally invasive internal hemorrhoid treatments
When at-home care fails, Georgia Endovascular offers advanced, nonsurgical treatment options for internal hemorrhoids designed to reduce swelling, relieve pain, and improve quality of life.
Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE)
HAE is an outpatient, catheter-based procedure that treats internal hemorrhoids by reducing blood flow to the swollen hemorrhoidal arteries.
During the procedure, a tiny catheter is inserted into an artery in the wrist or groin and guided to the vessels supplying the hemorrhoids. Microscopic beads are released to limit blood flow, causing the hemorrhoids to shrink.
Most patients return home the same day and resume regular activity within a few days.
How HAE reduces pain and bleeding
HAE works by:
- Targeting the arteries feeding the hemorrhoids
- Reducing excess blood flow and pressure
- Helping swollen tissue shrink naturally
- Relieving bleeding, itching, and discomfort
According to a clinical review published by the National Library of Medicine, embolization offers significant symptom improvement in patients with internal hemorrhoids who have not responded to conservative care.
Benefits of HAE compared to traditional surgery
HAE offers meaningful relief without the pain, recovery time, or risks associated with procedures like hemorrhoidectomy.
HAE provides several advantages, including:
- No incisions or surgical wounds
- Minimal discomfort during and after the procedure
- Outpatient treatment — no hospital stay needed
- Faster return to normal routines
- Lower risk of complications
- Preserves normal bowel control and rectal function
For many patients, HAE offers long-term relief while avoiding the recovery challenges of surgery.
Comfort restored, confidence regained.
Experience real relief from internal hemorrhoid pain and swelling with advanced, nonsurgical care from Georgia Endovascular.
Take the QuizHAE vs. Traditional Approaches
| Treatment | Invasiveness | Recovery Time | Pain Level | Hospital Stay | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HAE | Minimally invasive, catheter-based | 1–2 weeks (often sooner) | Minimal | None | High |
| Hemorrhoidectomy (surgical removal) | Surgical | 4–6 weeks | Moderate to severe | Required | High |
| Banding (ligation) | Minimally invasive | 1–2 weeks | Mild to moderate | None | Moderate |
| Topical/Conservative Care | Non-invasive | Ongoing use | Minimal | None | Temporary relief only |
Why choose Georgia Endovascular for internal hemorrhoid care
At Georgia Endovascular, your care is provided by fellowship-trained interventional radiologists specializing in embolization and minimally invasive vascular procedures for internal hemorrhoids.
Our team uses high-resolution imaging, precise catheter-based techniques, and personalized treatment planning to ensure:
- Accurate diagnosis
- Safe, effective treatment
- Long-lasting relief
- A comfortable, supportive patient experience
We are committed to helping you regain comfort, confidence, and control, without the downtime of surgery.
Advanced hemorrhoid treatment in Georgia
Internal hemorrhoids may be common, but ongoing discomfort doesn’t have to be part of your life.
At Georgia Endovascular, we provide advanced, minimally invasive options to help you feel better quickly and return to your normal routine.
To learn more or schedule an evaluation, find a Georgia Endovascular location near you, or take the quiz now.
FAQs about hemorrhoids
Here are answers to the most common questions patients ask about hemorrhoids, symptoms, and minimally invasive treatment options for internal hemorrhoids at Georgia Endovascular.
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins inside or around the anus that can cause pain, itching, swelling, or bleeding.
How do I know if I need treatment?
If hemorrhoid symptoms persist longer than a few days, affect daily comfort, or include bleeding, it’s time to seek care.
Which types of hemorrhoids does Georgia Endovascular treat?
Georgia Endovascular only treats internal hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids and thrombosed hemorrhoids are not treated at our practice.
What is Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE)?
HAE is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces blood flow to swollen internal hemorrhoids, helping them shrink and relieving symptoms.
How effective is HAE for hemorrhoid relief?
HAE provides significant improvement in bleeding, pain, and swelling for patients with internal hemorrhoids.
Is the procedure painful or covered by insurance?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort due to local anesthesia. Insurance coverage varies; our team can help verify your benefits.
