Most hemorrhoids can be treated through medications. However, if you they are severe and don’t seem to improve after using medications, then you need to see a doctor. However, it is best to consult someone who specializes in hemorrhoids and other health problems in the anal and rectal areas of the body. A doctor who specializes in treating the hemorrhoidal disease is called a proctologist. Here, you will learn more about the specialist doctor (proctologist), what he does and how he can help you with your hemorrhoid problem.
Function of Proctologists
A hemorrhoid specialist doctor (proctologist) does not only treat hemorrhoids. A proctologist handles all of the disorders, problems, and check-ups that involve the rectum, anus, and colon. They are well-educated and trained medical professionals who treat various conditions and diseases in the rectal, anal, and colon areas of the body. In some cases, proctologists work with urologists (specialists in the urogenital and urinary tracts), obstetricians, and gynecologists (specialists in women’s tissues and female genitalia). Therefore, if you have a hemorrhoid problem, it is best to see a proctologist because he specializes in that area of the body.
Features of Proctologists
Some of the problems and diseases that proctologist commonly treat are injuries (e.g. anal tears), severe hemorrhoids, incontinence, constipation, and anal cancer. Common problems such as constipation and mild to moderate hemorrhoids can be treated by a normal doctor or general practitioner. Extreme pain or symptoms that lasted for several days should be checked by a proctologist.
What to Expect When You Visit a Proctologist
When you visit a hemorrhoid specialist doctor (proctologist), the first thing that you will do is to describe your symptoms to him. Make sure that you describe symptoms such as bloody stool, rectal bleeding, and pain in the anal area. The proctologist will base the course of treatment and diagnosis based on the information that you provide. The proctologist may also give you a test kit for screening your colon. You will use the test kit to provide the proctologist with a stool sample which will be checked for traces of blood. Once the proctologist confirms that you have hemorrhoids, he will recommend the best treatment methods for your current conditions.
Hemorrhoid Treatments Provided by Proctologists
One of the hemorrhoid treatments provided by proctologists is infrared photocoagulation. In infrared photocoagulation, infrared light is used to reduce hemorrhoidal tissue. This treatment is performed in the proctologist’s office. The number of treatment sessions depends on the severity of your hemorrhoids.
Another treatment method is Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids (PPH). This treatment method involves repositioning the anal canal tissue in order to restrict the blood flow to the hemorrhoids. Due to lack of blood, the hemorrhoids will shrink and disappear after 4 to 6 weeks.
If your hemorrhoids are not too severe, they can probably be treated by your family doctor or general practitioner. Try using anti-hemorrhoidal medications first. Hemorrhoids that don’t seem to improve or respond to medications should be checked by a proctologist as soon as possible.
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