Hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed anal veins. They can develop inside the rectum and anal canal (internal hemorrhoids) or outside of the anus under the skin (external hemorrhoids). Either type of hemorrhoid can become thrombosed, which means that blood has pooled in the vein and clotted, causing pain and swelling.
A thrombosed hemorrhoid isn’t dangerous, and may resolve on its own. However, a hemorrhoid with a blood clot can cause intense pain, daily discomfort, and anal bleeding until it heals. Sometimes a thrombosed internal hemorrhoid can become infected or might require medical treatment to get relief, so it’s important to know what to expect.
What Are Thrombosed Hemorrhoids?
A thrombosed hemorrhoid is an internal or external hemorrhoid with a blood clot. The clot may fully or partially block blood flow through the already swollen veins, causing more swelling, pain, and discomfort. Thrombosed hemorrhoids are relatively common, and they can occur in adults of any age, including young adults.1 The main difference between external and internal thrombosed hemorrhoids is their location.
Symptoms of External Thrombosed Hemorrhoids
An external hemorrhoid develops under the skin near the anus and is often visible as a hard, swollen lump. External hemorrhoids are usually painful, and when they become thrombosed, the pain can intensify, especially during a bowel movement.
Common signs of an external thrombosed hemorrhoid include:
- Pain around the anal area
- Hard, tender lumps around the anus that may be discolored
- Bleeding if the skin breaks
External thrombosed hemorrhoids generally heal on their own, although it can take a few days or weeks. Adding fiber to the diet, drinking more water, and exercising can help the body heal. At-home remedies can also be used to relieve pain and discomfort, such as sitz baths (warm, shallow baths) and ice packs.
Symptoms of Internal Thrombosed Hemorrhoids
An internal hemorrhoid isn’t always visible as it develops inside the rectum. However, a large or swollen internal hemorrhoid can prolapse or slide outside of the anus. Minor internal hemorrhoids that aren’t prolapsed aren’t usually painful. A thrombosed internal hemorrhoid that’s prolapsed, however, can cause significant pain and discomfort.
Unlike external hemorrhoids, which often heal on their own after a few days or weeks, an internal thrombosed hemorrhoid may require medical treatment. There’s also a risk of complications, such as an infection or a ruptured hemorrhoid.
Common signs of an internal hemorrhoid with a blood clot include:
- Severe rectal pain, especially when sitting or during bowel movements.
- Rectal bleeding (bright red blood on toilet paper or in stool).
- A feeling of pressure or fullness in the rectum.
- Mucus discharge or a feeling of wetness, irritation, or itchiness around the anus.
Diagnosis of Internal Thrombosed Hemorrhoids
If you are concerned that you may have a thrombosed internal hemorrhoid, schedule a consultation with a hemorrhoid doctor. They can provide a diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan to help your hemorrhoid heal. A hemorrhoid doctor will perform an exam to determine what’s causing symptoms and to rule out other similar conditions, such as anal fissures, rectal polyps, or colorectal cancer.
An exam for internal thrombosed hemorrhoids will usually include:
- Physical examination: A digital rectal exam (DRE) to check for swelling, tenderness, and clot formation.
- Anoscopy: A small scope is used to examine the rectum and confirm the presence of thrombosed hemorrhoids.
Why Internal Thrombosed Hemorrhoids Require Treatment
Untreated internal hemorrhoids with blood clots can have significant risks. They can lead to vein rupture, resulting in severe pain, anal bleeding, dizziness, and even fever. Other concerns include:
- A blood clot in an internal hemorrhoid can cause immense pain and increase swelling, putting pressure on the vein and possibly causing it to burst. A ruptured hemorrhoid is extremely painful and can cause anal bleeding, dizziness, and fever.
- Over time, an internal hemorrhoid with a blood clot can cause persistent bleeding or tissue damage.
- The symptoms can affect day-to-day life, causing discomfort and embarrassment.
- The hemorrhoid can also become increasingly severe, swollen, and painful without medical treatment.
Treatment Options for Internal Thrombosed Hemorrhoids
Internal thrombosed hemorrhoids that require medical intervention often can be treated with a non-surgical procedure. Hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE) is a non-surgical approach that reduces blood flow to the hemorrhoids. By cutting off the blood supply, HAE effectively shrinks internal thrombosed hemorrhoids.
HAE is often preferred for quick recovery with minimal post-procedure discomfort. This procedure requires no cutting or tissue removal. It is a less invasive treatment option for moderate to severe internal hemorrhoids. Very severe cases may require surgery to remove the hemorrhoid.
Get Relief with Non-Surgical Treatment for Thrombosed Hemorrhoids
Internal thrombosed hemorrhoids can impact your quality of life and may cause more severe symptoms if left untreated. HAE is an effective non-surgical treatment for internal thrombosed hemorrhoids, offering relief from the pain, bleeding, and discomfort without the risks of surgery.
Early intervention leads to faster relief and fewer complications, so it’s important to see a specialist if you have symptoms. The experienced hemorrhoid doctors at USA Hemorrhoid Centers can determine if HAE is right for you and give you a personalized treatment plan to help you experience lasting relief. Schedule a consultation at a hemorrhoid center near you today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Thrombosed Hemorrhoids Go Away?
Thrombosed hemorrhoids can go away on their own. External thrombosed hemorrhoids can take a few days to a few weeks to heal. Internal thrombosed hemorrhoids are more likely to require medical treatment, especially if they don’t go away after a week or two.
Are Thrombosed Hemorrhoids Dangerous?
Thrombosed hemorrhoids aren’t dangerous, although they can be very painful and cause persistent anal bleeding.
What Can Be Mistaken for a Thrombosed Hemorrhoid?
Anal fissures, anal polyps, and colorectal cancer can all be mistaken for thrombosed hemorrhoids. Schedule a consultation with a specialist if you notice anal bleeding, pain, or other possible internal thrombosed hemorrhoid symptoms to determine the underlying cause.
Sources
- Picciariello, A., Rinaldi, M., Grossi, U., Verre, L., De Fazio, M., Dezi, A., Tomasicchio, G., Altomare, D. F., & Gallo, G. (2022). Management and Treatment of External Hemorrhoidal Thrombosis. Frontiers in surgery, 9, 898850.
For such a personal issue, I really appreciated how discreet and professional everyone was. The staff made me feel comfortable from check-in through my appointment.
The whole experience was much easier than I expected. The doctor listened to what I was dealing with, explained my options, and answered my questions without making me feel rushed
I had been ignoring my symptoms for months, hoping they would eventually go away. When they started interfering with my daily routine, I knew it was time to see someone. I’m glad I finally did.
I put off getting checked because I was embarrassed. After finally making the appointment, I realized I had built it up in my head to be much worse than it was. I wish I had taken care of it sooner.”
Very professional and compassionate staff. They listened to my concerns, explained my options clearly, and made an uncomfortable situation much easier to deal with.
I came in with a lot of questions and wasn’t sure what treatment would involve. The doctor explained my options clearly and took the time to make sure I understood everything
The doctor was professional, respectful, and easy to talk to. I never felt embarrassed about why I was there, which made a big difference for me.”
Making the appointment was probably the hardest part because I was embarrassed about my symptoms. Once I got there, I realized there was nothing to be embarrassed about. The team was understanding and focused on helping me find the right treatment option.
From scheduling my appointment to meeting with the doctor, I had a positive experience. Everyone treated me with respect and made an uncomfortable health issue much easier to address
I didn’t realize there were different ways to treat hemorrhoids until my consultation. The doctor took the time to explain my options and answer all my questions before I made a decision.
I had been dealing with hemorrhoid symptoms for longer than I should have. The doctor listened to what I was experiencing, explained my options, and helped me understand what treatment might be appropriate.
The staff made me feel comfortable from the moment I arrived. I never felt embarrassed or judged. Everything was explained clearly, and I felt like my concerns were genuinely heard
I put off getting treatment because I was embarrassed, but I’m glad I finally made the appointment. Everyone was professional and respectful, and the doctor made it much easier to talk about than I expected.
Dr. Pridjian and his staff were extremely knowledgeable, professional, friendly, patient, and put me at ease as I was very nervous. The procedure went exactly it had been explained to me. I would highly recommend Dr. Pridjian and his team!
Dr. Reichman did his job competently and professionally. He is a credit to his profession. His assistant, nurse Kenya was professional, courteous, comforting, and definitely competent during the procedure. They are lucky to have her on their team.
Very helpful staff who made me feel comfortable. The provider was fantastic and I’m actually looking forward to my procedure. 🤞🏻
Dr. Reichman is the best! I’m super glad I decided to get my procedure with him.
Ease access, friendly staff and excellent doctor! I totally recommend!
Doctor Reichman is Fantastic!! Made me feel totally comfortable and at ease with procedure. Now I have no more symptoms!! Free after 20 years of discomfort.
Highly recommended! They made my whole process from original consultation to procedure a great experience!
Just unbelievable! All the staff taking care of you - every human person there - made the experience was mind blowing. Thank you to everyone! Very amazing experience at USA Hemorrhoid Centers!
Excellent place and the service is top notch!
USA Hemorrhoid Centers tool very good care of my needs! From beginning to the end very professional - would recommend any time.
The staff was welcoming, professional, and made me feel comfortable from the moment I walked in. The provider took the time to explain everything clearly and answered all my questions. The procedure was smooth and efficient, and overall I felt very well taken care of. Highly recommend!
I would recommended anyone needing instant relief of hemorrhoids! GREAT doctors and true professionals!
I highly recommend this place to anyone. Everyone was super friendly and professional and made my whole experience better than I could have expected. If you need a Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization, I highly recommend.
That’s a good place to receive better treatment of Hemorrhoids. You will get a good care of what you are looking for. Dr. Aaron D. Reichman is an amazing person.
Everything done professionally and the staff was super friendly and attentive!
USA Hemorrhoid Centers was very friendly and professional. Getting appointments, making any adjustments, and check in was very easy. My HAE procedure was delayed due to a snow storm. Althought it was an inconvenience, the office reached out to me and did everything possible to reschedule and assist me. I was able to get my procedure done the next day! Dr. Reichman is an excellent doctor. Friendly, knowledgeable, and very experienced in hemorrhoid artery embolization. I felt comfortable the whole time, from consultation to post-procedure. Couldn't have had a better experience.
It was a very good experience from the attention with the nurses and the doctor!
The doctor was great. Very good experience. My procedure was a success, they are very pleasant, helpful and respectful to me and my husband.
The doctor and staff are wonderful. it was my first procedure ever and they made me very comfortable with explaining the procedure step by step. Also, his assistant was very nice. She took very good care of me and I appreciate her so much! 10/10 recommend.
The staff was very helpful and professional. The doctor explained the procedures and he helped me make the best decision.
The doctor was wonderful. He explained all symptoms and detailed the procedure. After receiving my treatment, I feel much much better! USA Hemorrhoid Centers, Dr. H and his staff are excellent!!!!
I recently underwent a nonsurgical procedure that provided better results than the surgeries I already had to address the issues. Dr. Taghipour expertly walked me through each step and patiently answered all my questions. The procedure was comfortable with minimal downtime, and I noticed positive results quickly. The office was modern and clean, while the nurses provided attentive, personalized care. I highly recommend this nonsurgical option and Dr. Taghipour’s practice to anyone with similar concerns.
Great experience!!! This is the place to go to if you are dealing with hemorrhoids issues!
The staff was very helpful and professional. The doctor explained the procedures and he helped me make the best decision.
Dr G and whole staff are incredible. My hemorrhoid procedure was completely painless and effective
Ivan G.
They explained everything I needed to know about the HAE procedure in a very easy-to-get way, by the time of the procedure, I had no fear or doubt that I was on the right place.
Abe K.
I am so glad to have gone to USA Hemorrhoid Centers. My experience has been amazing. The staff are all so friendly but professional. The doctor is wonderful and in his professional manner makes you very comfortable and explains anything you have questions about. So very happy.
USA Hemorrhoid Centers all staff were incredible. They communicated throughout and checked in frequently to ensure I was as comfortable as possible. I am happy I chose to get the treatments and look forward to the improvements.