Hemorrhoids | University of Miami Health System

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Hemorrhoids are small lumps made from blood vessels, in and around the anus and lower rectum, that have become swollen. Hemorrhoids can be either inside your anus (internal) or under the skin around your anus (external). Sometimes they don't cause symptoms, but at other times they cause itching around your anus, discomfort, and bleeding. Other symptoms include:

Anal pain, especially while sitting
Bright red blood on toilet tissue, stool, or in the toilet bowl
Pain during bowel movements
Tender lump(s) near your anus

Hemorrhoids are very common — you have a 50 percent chance of getting hemorrhoids before the age of 50, and nearly three out of four adults will have hemorrhoids at some point in their lives.

Why Choose UHealth?

A broad array of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Regardless of your age, condition, or whether you need long- or short-term digestive treatments, you will receive the most accurate diagnosis and most effective treatment to keep your stomach, digestive system, and organs healthy.

Questions? We're here to help.

Our appointment specialists are ready to help you find what you need. Contact us today.

Call 305-243-2910 Request an Appointment

Treatments

Topical Medications

Your GI doctor may prescribe a prescription topical medication or recommend an over-the-counter topical medication that can help relieve itching and pain.
Diet Modification

You may need to make changes to your diet, such as eating more fiber-containing foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You may need to regularly take stool softeners or fiber supplements.
Hygiene

Make sure you are keeping your anal area clean and dry at all times.
Rubber-band Ligation

In this surgical procedure, a rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid inside your rectum to cut off circulation to the hemorrhoid. Then, the hemorrhoid shrinks and goes away in a few days.
Sclerotherapy

Your GI doctor will inject a chemical solution around the blood vessel to shrink the hemorrhoid.
Hemorrhoidectomy

This is a surgical procedure in which your GI doctor permanently removes your hemorrhoids.
Biopsy

Your GI doctor may remove a small tissue sample (biopsy) to be sent to the laboratory for further analysis and diagnosis.

Tests

Physical Exam

Your GI doctor will check your anus and rectum, and look for swollen blood vessels.
Digital Rectum Examination (DRE)

In this exam, your doctor inserts a gloved, greased (lubricated) finger into your rectum to check for any problems.
Anoscopy

In this test, your GI doctor inserts a small, tubular instrument a few inches into the anus to check for problems of the anal canal, including internal hemorrhoids.
Proctoscopy

In this test, your GI doctor inserts a thin, lighted tube into your anus to view your entire rectum.
Sigmoidoscopy

This test allows your doctor to check the inside of part of your large intestine.
Colonoscopy

In a colonoscopy, your doctor examines the full length of your large intestine to check for any abnormal growths, tissue that is red or swollen, sores (ulcers), or bleeding.

Accepted Insurances

Note: Health plans that are currently contracted with UHealth are listed below. However, please check with your insurance provider to verify that UHealth is part of your provider network.