Many people suffer from enlarged haemorrhoids – also known as “anal lumps”,<\/strong> “lumps on the bottom”<\/strong> or “haemorrhoidal disease”<\/strong>– over the course of their lives. Typical symptoms such as burning, itching or traces of blood on toilet paper are not only unpleasant, but also a nuisance in everyday life. In this section, we answer the most frequently asked questions about causes, treatment and prevention. <\/p>\n Hemorrhoids<\/b> are actually <\/span>normal vascular cushions in the rectum, which every person has. They support the fine closure of the anus. Only when these vascular cushions <\/span>enlarge or ignite<\/b>, is it referred to as a hemorrhoidal condition. Various factors can cause hemorrhoids to swell: Often it is <\/span>heavy pushing during bowel movements<\/b> (e.g. chronic constipation) is a trigger, as the high pressure dilates the blood vessels in the anal area. <\/span> <\/p>\n Even <\/span>prolonged sitting<\/b> on the toilet, <\/span>being overweight<\/b>, <\/span>lack of exercise<\/b> and a <\/span>low-fiber diet<\/b> promote hemorrhoids. In women, <\/span>Pregnancy and birth contribute to the development of hemorrhoids due to increased pelvic pressure and hormonal changes. In addition, sometimes a <\/span>Genetic predisposition also plays a role – if there is a high incidence of hemorrhoids in the family, your own risk is increased. <\/span> <\/p>\n Important to know: Hemorrhoids are <\/span>nothing unusual or shameful – they are a very common condition that many people suffer from at some point in their lives.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Enlarged haemorrhoids can cause a number of <\/span>unpleasant symptoms cause. Particularly typical are: <\/span>bright red blood<\/b> on toilet paper or in the stool (bleeding during bowel movements), <\/span>itching and burning in the anus<\/b>oozing or mucus discharge as well as a <\/span>foreign body sensation in the anus. <\/strong> <\/p>\n Many sufferers have the feeling that the bowel is not emptying completely, which leads to frequent urge to defecate. <\/span>Pain occurs mainly with <\/span>external haemorrhoids occur, as these are located in a more nerve-rich area \u2013 one then feels painful, swollen nodules around the anus. Internal hemorrhoids (located in the anal canal) are usually <\/span>painless, but they can bleed. Severe pain can occur, however, when a hemorrhoidal node <\/span>thrombosed (forms a blood clot) or if prolapsed hemorrhoids become trapped. <\/span> <\/p>\n The symptoms often depend on the degree of severity: in the early stages, haemorrhoids may only cause slight itching or a little blood from time to time, while in advanced stages there is permanent discomfort and visible lumps on the outside. If you notice one or more of these symptoms, a proctological examination is worthwhile – the earlier, the better hemorrhoids can be treated. <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n The <\/span>diagnosis of hemorrhoids is made by our proctologist through a consultation and a brief examination. First, you describe your symptoms and pre-existing conditions (anamnesis). <\/span><\/p>\n This is followed by a <\/span>physical examination: External hemorrhoids are usually immediately recognized by the physician as soft, possibly reddened nodes around the anus. With gentle palpation, they can determine whether enlarged cushions in the anal canal are palpable. It is also important to <\/span>Other causes of anal discomfort to rule out \u2013 for example, anal fissures (mucosal tears), anal fistulas, abscesses, or, very rarely, polyps and tumors. Therefore, a small <\/span>Proctoscope (short tube with light) inserted to <\/span> view <\/span> the inside of the rectum. <\/p>\n This proctoscopy is <\/span>painless and only takes a few minutes<\/b>. If more severe bleeding is reported or for safety reasons in older patients, a <\/span>Colonoscopy (colonoscopy)<\/b> is recommended to rule out other diseases of the colon. <\/span> <\/p>\n However, <\/span>visual inspection, palpation and proctoscopy are usually sufficient to determine whether and to what extent a hemorrhoidal disease is present. <\/span> <\/p>\n Tip:<\/b> Don’t be afraid of the examination – it is over quickly and provides clarity about your complaints.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Hemorrhoid treatment<\/b> at our Berlin Proctology Center depends on the <\/span>degree of severity of the symptoms. We often start with <\/span>conservative measures, particularly for hemorrhoids in the early stages (Grade 1\u20132). These include <\/span>Dietary changes<\/b> (eating a high-fiber diet to keep the stool soft), <\/span>drinking plenty of fluids, and <\/span>stool regulators if necessary, to avoid straining. Also <\/span>Sitz baths<\/b> (e.g. with camomile or oak bark) can relieve itching and support healing. <\/span> <\/p>\n Local help <\/span>Ointments or suppositories<\/b> from the pharmacy that contain anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving active ingredients – they temporarily relieve symptoms such as itching or burning.<\/span><\/p>\n If these measures are not sufficient, various <\/span>minimally invasive procedures<\/b> are available, which we <\/span> can perform <\/span> directly on an outpatient basis in Berlin:Rubber band ligation<\/b> is a tried and tested method This involves placing small rubber rings around the internal hemorrhoids so that they die and fall off after a few days – this is quick and virtually painless. The <\/span>Sclerotherapy<\/b> (sclerotherapy by injecting a drug) is often used to shrink hemorrhoids. <\/span> <\/p>\n Smaller hemorrhoids can also be treated with <\/span>infrared light<\/b> sclerotherapy (infrared coagulation). An innovative method is <\/span>Hemorrhoid artery ligation (HAL-RAR)<\/b>in which the blood vessels supplying the haemorrhoids are specifically ligated – minimally invasive and usually under local anaesthetic.<\/span><\/p>\n For <\/span>advanced haemorrhoids<\/strong> (grade 3-4)<\/strong> or very stubborn cases, <\/span>surgerycan be performed. become necessary. Classic is the <\/span>Hemorrhoidectomy, the complete surgical removal of the nodes. Alternatively, there is the gentler <\/span>Stapler method<\/b> (stapler hemorrhoidopexy), in which excess hemorrhoid tissue is removed and the remaining tissue is pulled up and fixed – this method often causes less pain and allows faster healing. <\/span> <\/p>\n In our proctology center we also use modern methods such as <\/span>laser therapy<\/b> method, in which hemorrhoids are precisely removed or sclerosed with a laser \u2013 this can accelerate wound healing. Which treatment is best for your case will be discussed individually with you by the proctologist. <\/span>Basically, we rely on <\/span>modern procedures that are as gentle as possible and <\/span> can be performed<\/span> on an outpatient basis and <\/span>without general anesthesia whenever possible.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n No, not every hemorrhoid needs to be operated on.<\/b> In many cases, hemorrhoids <\/span>can be treated conservatively or minimally invasively, without classic surgical intervention. Particularly <\/span> We can manage mild to moderate hemorrhoidal disease (grade 1-2, but also many grade 3) with measures such as ointments, rubber band ligations or sclerotherapy. <\/span> <\/p>\n Surgery is usually only considered if <\/span> there are <\/span>pronounced hemorrhoids (grade 3-4)<\/b> that constantly prolapse, cause great discomfort or if minimally invasive methods do not bring the desired success. Even then, we choose as <\/span>Tissue-sparing techniques. <\/span> <\/p>\n For patients, the prospect of surgery is understandably unsettling – but we provide you with comprehensive information beforehand and use methods that are <\/span>as painless as possible<\/b> are. Many procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home on the same day. <\/span><\/p>\n The decisive factor is: <\/strong><\/span>Don’t hesitate for fear of surgeryto see a proctologist. The earlier hemorrhoids are treated, the sooner surgery can be avoided. And if an operation does become necessary, you are in experienced hands with us and will receive the best possible care. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n To prevent hemorrhoids or avoid recurrence, it helps to adjust some <\/span>lifestyle habits. The focus is on a <\/span>High-fiber diet: Eat vegetables, fruit, whole grain products, and legumes daily to promote soft, regular stool consistency. Avoid prolonged <\/span>constipation by drinking enough <\/span>fluids (at least 1.5-2 liters of water per day). <\/span> <\/p>\n Regular exercise<\/b> is also important – even moderate activity such as walking or light exercise promotes bowel activity and venous blood flow, which reduces the pressure in the rectum. <\/span> <\/p>\n Get into the habit of not pushing too hard when <\/span>not to push too hard<\/b> and not to sit for too long \u2013 take your time, but do not spend forever on the toilet (it is better to put away your phone or newspaper). Losing weight can also help reduce pressure on the pelvic veins. <\/span><\/p>\n After all <\/span>thorough but gentle anal hygiene<\/b> Finally, thorough but gentle anal hygiene is advisable: do not rub or rub too aggressively so as not to irritate the skin (use soft toilet paper, a bidet or damp washcloth if necessary, but avoid perfume and alcohol in wet wipes). <\/span> <\/p>\n These preventive measures can help prevent hemorrhoids from developing in the first place – or prevent them from returning so quickly after successful treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n An anal fissure is a painful, small tear in the skin of the anus – known to many as a “tear in the anus”<\/strong> or “bloody bowel movement”.<\/strong> Doctors speak of a “fissura ani<\/strong>“. Stinging pain occurs particularly during or after a bowel movement. In this section, we answer the most frequently asked questions about the causes, treatment options and chances of recovery. <\/p>\n An <\/span>anal fissure<\/b> is a <\/span>painful tear in the mucous membrane of the anal canal<\/b>. This is also colloquially referred to as a <\/span>Anal fissure. A fissure usually occurs when the sensitive anal mucosa is damaged. <\/span> is <\/span> suddenly overstretched or injured. <\/p>\n The most common trigger is <\/span>hard stools due to constipation \u2013 if you strain too much, the skin can tear. But also repeatedly <\/span>Diarrhea-like stools can irritate the mucous membrane and lead to tears. <\/span> <\/p>\n Other risk factors are <\/span>heavy pushing (e.g. due to habit or time pressure) and <\/span>trauma to the anal area, for example due to very hard toilet cleaning or, in rare cases, medical interventions. <\/span> <\/p>\n In some patients, <\/span>inflammatory bowel diseases (such as Crohn’s disease) contribute to the development of anal fissures, as the mucous membrane may be pre-damaged and have a poorer blood supply. <\/span> <\/p>\n In terms of frequency an anal fissure can occur at any age, in both men and women. Important to know: A distinction is made between <\/span>Acute anal fissures<\/b> (freshly formed, often heal within a few weeks) and <\/span>chronic anal fissures. <\/span> <\/p>\n The latter persist for longer than ~6-8 weeks and do not heal by themselves – hardened edges or small skin flaps (so-called “sentinel skin” or mariske) have often formed here, which make healing more difficult. The earlier a fresh fissure is treated and the causes (e.g. constipation) are eliminated, the better chronicity can be prevented. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n A fresh anal fissure is mainly characterized by <\/span>severe pain during bowel movements<\/b> noticeable. Affected individuals often describe a <\/span>a burning or stabbing sensation of pain<\/b>which occurs particularly during and immediately after a bowel movement. <\/span> <\/p>\n This pain can last from a few minutes to hours and is often so severe that <\/span>Fear of the next visit to the toilet<\/b> arises. As a result, some hold back stool, which then leads to constipation and further hard stool \u2013 a vicious cycle. <\/span><\/p>\n In addition to the pain, there are often <\/span>bright red bleeding<\/b> occur: You usually see little, but fresh blood on the toilet paper or on the stool. <\/span>Itching and burning<\/b> in the anal area can also occur, especially if the wound is irritated or some wound secretion leaks out. Many patients also notice a <\/span>Spasm of the sphincter muscle (sphincter spasm). <\/span> <\/p>\n This muscle spasm is a reflex reaction to the pain: the inner sphincter muscle contracts, which further intensifies the pain and reduces blood flow to the fissure. With <\/span>chronic anal fissures the mentioned symptoms usually persist. Small <\/span>nodules or skin folds form at the edge of the fissure (sentinel hemorrhoid), and the area is constantly irritated. <\/span> <\/p>\n Summarized are <\/span>Anal fissure symptoms<\/b>excruciating pain during bowel movements, light bleeding, itching\/burning and often a cramped sphincter. If you have such complaints, do not hesitate to seek medical advice – even if it is a sensitive subject, there is effective help available. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n The treatment of an anal fissure depends on whether it is <\/span>\n
What are hemorrhoids and how do they develop?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n
What symptoms indicate hemorrhoids?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n
How are hemorrhoids diagnosed?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n
What options are there for hemorrhoid treatment in Berlin?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n
Do hemorrhoids always require surgery?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n
How can I prevent hemorrhoids?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Anal fissure – Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n
\n
What is an anal fissure and how does it develop?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n
What are typical anal fissure symptoms?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n
How do you treat an anal fissure? What can I do to help it heal? <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n