People who have hemorrhoids always ask: how long do hemorrhoids last? The time it takes for hemorrhoids to heal will vary from person to person. Hemorrhoids that have not been aggravated to a great extent may heal in a few days while those that are bleeding excessively or are very swollen may take some time before they fade. The extent of the injury will also impact the type of treatment that is necessary to help manage the hemorrhoid.

Overviews of Hemorrhoids

There are two basic types of hemorrhoids, those that are internal and those that are external.

• Internal hemorrhoids appear near the anal canal. They are not typically painful or visible but they can eventually deteriorate into a prolapsed hemorrhoid that pushes outside of the rectum during a bowel movement. Prolapsed hemorrhoids are quite painful and may not be able to be pushed back into the anal canal once they have exited.
• External hemorrhoids look like brown lumps located on the rim of the anus, though the specific location may vary. The natural friction in this area tends to make these hemorrhoids more painful than other types. Itchiness and bleeding are also more common with this type of hemorrhoid and they are more likely to deteriorate into a thrombosed hemorrhoid that causes blood clots.

How Long Do Hemorrhoids Last?

1. Natural Recovery Time

• Depend on the Types of Hemorrhoids. Most hemorrhoids will only last 3-4 days without the use of medication or other treatments. More severe hemorrhoids may last for several weeks before they fully heal. Internal hemorrhoids may take up to two months to heal. External hemorrhoids that have developed a blood clot may take between three weeks and three months to heal. Those that have already suffered from hemorrhoids in a given area are more likely to develop this condition in the future as well.
• Depend on the Times of Occurrence. Those experiencing their first hemorrhoid have a much lower risk of it returning while a hemorrhoid that has already appeared 2-3 time is more likely to appear frequently in the future. The number of times a hemorrhoid appears increases the amount of time it will take to fade. Those that participate in anal sex, are obese or pregnant are more likely to develop hemorrhoids than others and these hemorrhoids may take longer to heal.

2. Recovery Time with Medical Intervention

The type of treatment applied after visiting a doctor will impact the amount of time it will take for the hemorrhoid to heal.

• Ligation treatment or the use of rubber bands to starve the hemorrhoid of its blood supply, will typically heal a hemorrhoid in 7-10 days.
• Infrared coagulation or using an infrared device to coagulate blood within the hemorrhoid will heal the injury in 3-4 weeks.
• Surgical procedures that are used to manage severe hemorrhoids may take several weeks to fully heal.

Natural Remedies for Hemorrhoids

Many of the key remedies for hemorrhoids revolve around prevention techniques that will help to prevent them from reappearing later.

1. Topical Treatments

• Witch Hazel. Using an aseptic cotton pad to apply witch hazel to the hemorrhoid three times a day can help to decrease swelling, pain and bleeding.
• Aloe Vera. Aloe Vera is frequently used to soothe pain in the skin. Applying the gel to a hemorrhoid can reduce the burning sensation common with this condition.
• Butcher’s Broom Ointment. Applyingbutcher’s broom ointment can help to reduce the swelling of a hemorrhoid. Unlike some other medications this remedy is safe for those with high blood pressure, benign prostatic hyperplasia or those who are pregnant to use.
• Horse Chestnut. Sipping horse chestnut tea or consuming capsules of horse chestnut can act as an external compress to reduce a hemorrhoid. Those that suffer from bleeding disorders or are allergic to this product should avoid this remedy.
• Chamomile Tea and Olive Oil. Chamomile tea and olive oil are said to reduce the appearance of hemorrhoids. Almond oil can be applied to the area to reduce pain and baking soda is said to help relieve itchiness hemorrhoids frequently exhibit.
• Triphala. The ayurvedic herb triphala can be applied as an ointment, bowel tonic or compress to relieve the constipation frequently brought on by hemorrhoids.
• Self-made Balm. Creating a balm of myrrh, goldenseal root, bayberry and white oak can help to relieve pain from hemorrhoids.
• Self-made Tea. Creating a tea from a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds, boiling water, honey or sugar and consuming it three times a day can help reduce a hemorrhoid.

2. Daily Tips

• Hydration. Remaining hydrated by drinking plenty of water will help you avoid constipation that can irritate or cause hemorrhoids.
• High Fiber. Consuming a diet that contains high fiber foods such as flax seeds, green vegetables or whole grains will help to lessen the irritation of a hemorrhoid.
• High Bioflavonoids. Consuming high amounts of bioflavonoids such as those in citrus fruits will help to decrease the inflammation of a hemorrhoid while strengthening and stabilizing the blood vessels to prevent future damage.