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 Hemorrhoid Symptoms and When to Seek Care
Lifestyle changes can help prevent and improve hemorrhoids in many cases. However, we recommend seeing a specialist for hemorrhoids if you have chronic or severe symptoms, including the following:
- 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 & Symptoms
Hemorrhoids are typically evaluated and diagnosed by a primary care provider or gastroenterologist. Georgia Endovascular does not diagnose hemorrhoids. We provide minimally invasive treatment for qualifying internal hemorrhoids following diagnosis and referral.
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. Internal hemorrhoids are often associated with straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation, or prolonged sitting.
Internal hemorrhoids are the most commonly diagnosed type of symptomatic hemorrhoids. Which is why at Georgia Endovascular, our leading hemorrhoids specialists in Atlanta only treat internal hemorrhoids using minimally invasive, image-guided procedures for better relief.
Common Symptoms for Internal Hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids symptoms might not be evident if the hemorrhoids have not prolapsed. However, if they have prolapsed – swollen to the extent that they protrude from the anus – the symptoms might include the following:
- Hygiene challenges: Cleaning the anal region after a bowel movement can be painful and challenging due to inflammation.
- Protruding lump: Prolapsed hemorrhoids occur when the internal hemorrhoids extend outside the anus. Prolapse can happen when the tissues supporting the hemorrhoids weaken, causing them to protrude and become visible. Prolapsed hemorrhoids symptoms include swollen lumps around the anus.
- Swelling and inflammation: Hemorrhoids can become inflamed, causing bulging around the anus. The bulge can be felt or seen externally or internally.
- Leakage of feces: In some cases, hemorrhoids can cause leakage of feces or mucus from the anus. This condition can be embarrassing and require sanitary pads or other management measures.
External Hemorrhoids
External hemorrhoids develop under the skin surrounding the anus. They are easily visible and can be felt as a lump or swelling. The overlying skin around external hemorrhoids can become irritated and erode, leading to discomfort and pain.
Common Symptoms of External Hemorrhoids
Symptoms of hemorrhoids can differ slightly from person to person, depending upon their severity. External hemorrhoids symptoms tend to be more painful than those caused by internal hemorrhoids. Symptoms typically include the following:
- Rectal bleeding: One of the main symptoms of hemorrhoids is rectal bleeding. You might find traces of blood on the toilet tissue or bowl after moving your bowels. The blood is usually bright red and may be seen as streaks or drops.
- Itching and irritation: Hemorrhoids can irritate in and surrounding the anus, leading to itching and discomfort. If the irritation leads to scratching the affected area, the condition can further aggravate.
- Sharp pain: External hemorrhoids can cause sharp pain due to the abundance of nerve endings surrounding the exterior of the anus. Remaining in a seated position for long stretches can also worsen the pain.
Prolapsed hemorrhoids
Prolapsed hemorrhoids extend out of the rectum and may cause irritation, mucus discharge, itching, or difficulty with hygiene. This can happen due to increased pressure in the lower rectum, often from straining during bowel movements or chronic constipation.
Prolapsed hemorrhoids can cause discomfort, pain, and bleeding, and may require medical intervention if conservative measures fail to provide relief.
Thrombosed hemorrhoids
These occur when a blood clot forms inside an external hemorrhoid, causing severe pain, swelling, and bluish discoloration. Thrombosed hemorrhoids are typically caused by increased pressure on the veins in the rectal area. This pressure can result from straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation, pregnancy, or sitting for prolonged periods. While not dangerous, they often require medical treatment for meaningful relief.
Common Symptoms of Thrombosed Hemorrhoids
Thrombosed hemorrhoids are a painful condition that occurs when blood vessels in the anal tissues become swollen and develop blood clots. The symptoms of thrombosed hemorrhoids can vary but include the following:
- Blue or purple coloration: A blood clot can cause the affected hemorrhoid to appear blue or purple. This discoloration is due to the restricted blood flow caused by the clot.
- Hard lump or knot: One of the most significant signs of a thrombosed hemorrhoid is the presence of a firm lump or knot near the anus. The blood clot within the swollen blood vessels causes this lump.
At Georgia Endovascular, our board-certified interventional radiologists exclusively treat internal hemorrhoids using precise, image-guided, minimally invasive techniques.
Minimally Invasive Internal Hemorrhoid Treatments in Atlanta
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)
Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (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 We Help Reduce Pain & Bleeding with HAE Treatment
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.
Diagnosing & Evaluating Internal Hemorrhoids
Georgia Endovascular does not diagnose hemorrhoids or perform diagnostic evaluations. We offer non-surgical, image-guided treatment for internal hemorrhoids.
Self-diagnosing hemorrhoids is common, especially when experiencing symptoms like anal itching, discomfort, or bleeding during bowel movements.
Because hemorrhoid symptoms can overlap with other medical conditions, an accurate diagnosis must be made by a qualified healthcare provider. Georgia Endovascular does not diagnose hemorrhoids.
If you have been diagnosed with internal hemorrhoids and referred for treatment, Georgia Endovascular can evaluate eligibility for minimally invasive care.
What To Expect during a Hemorrhoid Evaluation
A hemorrhoid exam is a thorough process designed to accurately assess and diagnose hemorrhoid-related concerns.
Hemorrhoid examinations and diagnostic procedures are completed by referring providers, such as primary care physicians, gastroenterologists, or colorectal specialists. Georgia Endovascular does not perform hemorrhoid exams.
Here's what you can expect during a hemorrhoid evaluation with a diagnosing provider:
- Visual Inspection: Your healthcare provider may begin by visually inspecting the anal area for external signs of hemorrhoids, such as swelling, inflammation, or protrusions. This examination helps identify visible hemorrhoids and assess their size and severity.
- Discussion of Symptoms: Your healthcare provider will discuss your symptoms in detail, including the duration, frequency, and severity of any discomfort or bleeding. Accurate information about your symptoms helps guide the diagnostic process and ensures appropriate treatment recommendations.
Depending on your symptoms and physical examination findings, your healthcare provider may recommend additional diagnostic tests to evaluate the extent of hemorrhoid involvement further and rule out other conditions. These tests may include anoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy, which provide more detailed visualization of the anal and rectal area.
Georgia Endovascular does not perform diagnostic or differential evaluations.
HAE vs. Traditional Hemorrhoid Surgeries
| 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 Atlanta Hemorrhoid Treatments
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 Atlanta
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.
Who are the best hemorrhoid doctors in Atlanta?
At Texas Endovascular, our board-certified interventional radiologists are dedicated to providing top-tier, minimally invasive hemorrhoid treatment in Atlanta. Dr. Kevin Lie and Dr. Sachin Sheth have collectively performed thousands of procedures, using advanced, non-surgical techniques to deliver lasting relief. Their expertise has helped countless patients regain comfort, return to normal daily activities, and enhance their overall quality of life.
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.
Serving the Greater Atlanta Area at these Convenient Hemorrhoids Treatment Centers
Each location offers the same specialized hemorrhoids care delivered by board-certified interventional radiologists. Atlanta hemorrhoids specialists serve patients throughout Georgia at convenient locations, including:
