Illustration of hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids remain a common health issue affecting many people, yet many sufferers delay seeking examination due to embarrassment and the perception that the condition is taboo to discuss.
In fact, this condition can be treated more easily if medical attention is received early, before it develops into a more serious stage.
A general surgeon at Bethsaida Hospital Serang explained that hemorrhoids are swelling and inflammation of the veins in the lower rectum or anus.
According to him, hemorrhoids are actually a normal structure present in everyone, helping to control bowel movements.
Problems arise when these blood vessels swell, causing various complaints.
“I want the public to understand one thing: hemorrhoids are not a shameful disease. This is a very common medical condition that can be managed. What is truly dangerous is when embarrassment causes someone to delay seeing a doctor until the condition worsens and requires more complex treatment,” said the doctor.
He explained that hemorrhoids are divided into two types: internal hemorrhoids, located inside the rectum, and external hemorrhoids, which appear around the anus.
In some cases, both types can occur simultaneously.
Based on severity, internal hemorrhoids are divided into four grades.
Grade one is typically marked by bleeding during bowel movements without any lump protruding.
Grade two is characterized by a lump that protrudes during straining but can retract on its own.
In grade three, the lump must be pushed back in manually.
Grade four is marked by a lump that remains outside and cannot be pushed back in.
According to the doctor, the sooner the condition is checked, the greater the chance for patients to receive simpler treatment without needing major surgery.
Several factors are known to increase the risk of hemorrhoids, including prolonged constipation or diarrhea, a low-fiber diet, inadequate water intake, obesity, aging, genetic factors, and spending too much time on the toilet.
People are also advised to seek medical attention if they experience persistent bleeding, blood mixed with stool, severe pain in the anal area, a lump that cannot be pushed back in, or changes in bowel habits accompanied by weight loss.
The doctor stated that bleeding from the anus is not always caused by hemorrhoids, so medical examination is necessary to determine the cause.
To prevent hemorrhoids or their recurrence, people are advised to increase consumption of high-fiber foods, drink enough water, avoid delaying bowel movements, avoid excessive straining, exercise regularly, maintain an ideal body weight, and reduce prolonged sitting.
“Many patients come to me thinking they need to undergo a painful major surgery. In reality, most cases of hemorrhoids can be treated with much simpler procedures, even allowing patients to go home the same day. The key is to come early, before the condition worsens,” he explained.
The director of Bethsaida Hospital Serang added that the hospital provides hemorrhoid treatment services ranging from consultation, non-surgical procedures such as ligation and sclerotherapy, to surgical procedures including laser technology, tailored to the patient’s condition.
“We create a safe, empathetic, and stigma-free environment so that every patient feels comfortable being open and receiving the care they truly need. Your health is our priority, without exception,” he said.
