Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that develop in the anal canal and lower rectum. They can occur due to straining during bowel movements, sitting for long periods of time, obesity, pregnancy, and other factors. Hemorrhoids vary in size and symptoms. Small hemorrhoids may disappear on their own, but large hemorrhoids tend to persist and require treatment.
What are the sizes of hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are classified into four grades based on their size and degree of prolapse (how much they protrude out):
- Grade 1: Small internal hemorrhoids that do not protrude
- Grade 2: Larger protruding internal hemorrhoids that retract on their own
- Grade 3: Prolapsing internal hemorrhoids that need to be pushed back in
- Grade 4: Large external hemorrhoids that remain prolapsed outside the anus
Grade 1 and 2 hemorrhoids are considered mild or small. Grade 3 hemorrhoids are moderate in size. Grade 4 hemorrhoids are considered large or severe.
Can small hemorrhoids disappear on their own?
Yes, small grade 1 and 2 hemorrhoids can often disappear on their own without treatment. This happens when the swollen vein shrinks back to normal size.
Small internal hemorrhoids may heal within a few days. The vein stops stretching and the swelling goes down. The hemorrhoid then retreats back inside the anus.
However, it’s also common for small hemorrhoids to come back periodically, especially with repeated straining or irritation of the anal area.
Do large hemorrhoids go away without treatment?
No, large grade 3 and 4 hemorrhoids do not typically go away without treatment. The swollen veins remain stretched out and the anal tissues weakened. Without addressing the underlying causes, the hemorrhoids are likely to persist, grow larger, or keep recurring.
Why don’t large hemorrhoids disappear?
There are a few reasons why large hemorrhoids tend not to go away on their own:
- The swollen veins remain dilated – Once stretched out, the walls of the veins have a harder time recoiling to normal.
- Weakened anal cushions – Prolapsed hemorrhoids can weaken the supportive tissues that normally anchor hemorrhoids inside the anal canal.
- Ongoing straining – Chronic straining continues to put pressure on the anal area, keeping hemorrhoids enlarged.
- Poor blood flow – Hemorrhoids may develop blood clots inside, leading to painful thrombosis. This disrupts normal healing.
How are large hemorrhoids treated?
Several minimally invasive office procedures can treat large hemorrhoids and provide symptom relief. Treatment options include:
- Rubber band ligation – Hemorrhoids are tied off at the base with rubber bands, cutting off their blood supply. The hemorrhoids shrink and detach within a week.
- Sclerotherapy – A chemical solution is injected into the hemorrhoid to scar and shrink the tissue.
- Infrared coagulation – An intense beam of infrared light burns and scars the hemorrhoidal tissue.
- Hemorrhoidectomy – Surgery removes severe hemorrhoids. It is reserved for grade 4 hemorrhoids or when other treatments fail.
Can lifestyle changes make hemorrhoids disappear?
Making certain lifestyle changes can help treat existing hemorrhoids and make them less likely to flare up again. Helpful lifestyle measures include:
- Eating more fiber – A high-fiber diet softens stools and prevents straining during bowel movements.
- Staying hydrated – Drinking plenty of fluids prevents constipation and hard stools.
- Exercising regularly – Physical activity stimulates bowel function and prevents constipation.
- Avoiding prolonged sitting – Take regular breaks when sitting for long periods of time.
- Managing weight – Losing excess weight reduces pressure in the anal area.
- Avoiding straining – Don’t strain excessively when having a bowel movement. Let stools pass naturally.
Making these lifestyle changes can help shrink hemorrhoids by addressing some of the underlying causes. But they may not make large, prolapsing hemorrhoids completely disappear on their own.
How long for hemorrhoids to go away?
The amount of time it takes for hemorrhoids to go away varies:
- Grade 1 hemorrhoids may disappear within 3-5 days with at-home care.
- Grade 2 hemorrhoids can take around a week to shrink back inside and disappear.
- Grade 3 hemorrhoids may take 2-3 weeks to resolve after treatment.
- Grade 4 large hemorrhoids often require procedures and take about 6-8 weeks to heal fully.
Mild hemorrhoids may disappear quickly, but moderate to severe hemorrhoids take longer to completely go away.
Are hemorrhoids ever permanent?
Hemorrhoids are not usually a permanent condition. However, without proper treatment and lifestyle changes, hemorrhoids can become a chronic recurring problem.
It’s possible for someone to have hemorrhoid flare-ups on and off throughout life. Factors like aging, pregnancy, obesity, heavy lifting, and genetics make some people more prone to hemorrhoids.
With appropriate treatment though, grade 1-3 hemorrhoids can be made to disappear fully. Even after surgery, grade 4 hemorrhoids can be resolved, though there may still be skin tags left behind.
Can hemorrhoids go away and come back?
Yes, it’s common for hemorrhoids to go away for a time and then come back again later. This is especially true with smaller grade 1 and 2 hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids may disappear when the swelling goes down and veins shrink. But new swelling can recur if the underlying causes, like constipation or obesity, are not addressed.
Larger grade 3 and 4 hemorrhoids can also return after treatment if preventive measures aren’t taken. Proper diet, hydration, exercise, and bowel habits help keep hemorrhoids from recurring.
Conclusion
Small grade 1 and 2 hemorrhoids often disappear on their own through conservative at-home treatments. But large grade 3 and 4 hemorrhoids are unlikely to go away without medical procedures.
While hemorrhoids can frequently recur after they disappear, they are not normally a permanent condition. A combination of medical treatments and lifestyle adjustments provide the best chance for long-term hemorrhoid relief.