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What is a Hemorrhoid Specialist?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A hemorrhoid specialist is a physician who specializes in treating, managing, and preventing hemorrhoids, inflammations around the anus and rectum. General practitioners, internal medicine specialists, gastroenterologists, and proctologists can all choose to pursue careers as hemorrhoid specialists. People who experience recurrent hemorrhoids may find it helpful to see a hemorrhoid specialist for more in-depth care than a regular doctor can provide.

These specialists usually handle other medical issues as well, but have received some special training in hemorrhoids and pursue continuing education to keep up with the latest advances in treatment and management. When a patient goes to a hemorrhoid specialist, the doctor will take a complete patient history, review the patient's chart for more information, and conduct a physical exam. This will be used to develop a treatment plan.

Individuals who experience recurrent hemorrhoids may find it useful to see a hemorrhoid specialist.
Individuals who experience recurrent hemorrhoids may find it useful to see a hemorrhoid specialist.

During a flareup, the focus is on reducing the inflammation and making the patient feel more comfortable. The doctor can prescribe medications, along with treatments like sitting in a bath of warm water. Once the inflammation is under control, the hemorrhoid specialist can discuss measures for preventing future outbreaks of hemorrhoids and may work with the patient on modifying the diet to address the issue. Hemorrhoid specialists can also provide their patients with tips and tricks on identifying outbreaks early so they can be treated rapidly, before they develop into a serious problem.

The overuse of laxatives by a person with an eating disorder may cause hemorrhoids.
The overuse of laxatives by a person with an eating disorder may cause hemorrhoids.

To become a hemorrhoid specialist, it is necessary to attend medical school, successfully pass a licensing exam, and take a medical residency to receive medical training in a clinical setting. Once qualified, additional training can be pursued in the form of fellowships, conferences of physicians interested in hemorrhoid care, and professional journals. Patients curious about the level of training their physicians have received can ask about where the doctor trained and what kind of continuing education the physician pursues. It is advisable to seek membership in a professional organization of physicians, as this demonstrates a commitment to high quality care and the pursuit of advanced medical training.

Performing gentle exercising during pregnancy may help prevent hemorrhoids.
Performing gentle exercising during pregnancy may help prevent hemorrhoids.

Visits to a hemorrhoid specialists are usually covered by insurance and other health care programs, as these doctors are fully qualified. A referral from a general practitioner may be necessary in some cases, depending on how a health care plan is structured. People concerned about cost can contact a representative of the plan to get information about how to make sure visits will be appropriately covered. A patient's regular physician can usually provide information about practicing specialists in the area, giving patients a list of potential specialists to visit.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

stoneMason

@donasmrs-- I was not happy with my specialist. He immediately directed me towards hemorrhoidectomy even though I wanted to try other treatments before surgery.

SarahGen

@donasmrs-- I would highly advise your husband to see a hemorrhoid specialist. I know that many people think that hemorrhoid is a minor problem and not worth seeing a specialist about. But that's not the case, especially when it has been reoccurring for years. If a problem lasts years, it means it's serious.

From my experience, the specialist was much better informed about contemporary hemorrhoid treatments. He knew treatments and medications that my family doctor was unaware of. And a medicated ointment that this specialist prescribed finally healed my hemorrhoids.

donasmrs

My husband has been suffering from hemorrhoids for years. I've been trying to convince him to see a hemorrhoid specialist but he doesn't think he needs a specialist to treat it.

Has anyone here been to a hemorrhoid specialist? Was it beneficial?

If you share your positive experiences, I can tell my husband about it and maybe it will convince him to go.

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    • Individuals who experience recurrent hemorrhoids may find it useful to see a hemorrhoid specialist.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Individuals who experience recurrent hemorrhoids may find it useful to see a hemorrhoid specialist.
    • The overuse of laxatives by a person with an eating disorder may cause hemorrhoids.
      By: Sylvie Bouchard
      The overuse of laxatives by a person with an eating disorder may cause hemorrhoids.
    • Performing gentle exercising during pregnancy may help prevent hemorrhoids.
      By: evgenyatamanenko
      Performing gentle exercising during pregnancy may help prevent hemorrhoids.
    • A hemorrhoid specialist can help a person to manage or even prevent hemorrhoids.
      By: Andrea Danti
      A hemorrhoid specialist can help a person to manage or even prevent hemorrhoids.
    • A hemorrhoid specialist will take a complete patient history and review a patient's chart before developing a treatment plan.
      By: jeffreyjcoleman
      A hemorrhoid specialist will take a complete patient history and review a patient's chart before developing a treatment plan.
    • Becoming a hemorrhoid specialist requires taking a fellowship and studying under seasoned professionals.
      By: sepy
      Becoming a hemorrhoid specialist requires taking a fellowship and studying under seasoned professionals.
    • Increased straining during defecation may cause hemorrhoids.
      By: eyeQ
      Increased straining during defecation may cause hemorrhoids.
    • A hemorrhoid specialist may prescribe medications to suffering patients.
      By: iceteastock
      A hemorrhoid specialist may prescribe medications to suffering patients.