1. How would you explain the hemorrhoid embolization procedure?

This modern procedure is a minor surgery performed under local anesthesia. Small particles are inserted through a catheter to block the artery that supplies blood to the hemorrhoid. The hemorrhoid then shrinks, and the recovery starts. The recovery is less painful compared to traditional surgery.

2. Will I be in pain if I choose hemorrhoid artery embolization?

No. The entire journey of having a hemorrhoid artery embolization is usually not painful. Patients often experience mild discomfort during the procedure. The minor discomfort the patient may experience can be alleviated with over-the-counter medications.

3. Should I go for hemorrhoid embolization if my case is severe?

Hemorrhoid embolization is usually effective for most patients. But, it may not be the best decision if your hemorrhoids are larger or the case is complicated. In such cases, specialists generally recommend going with a traditional surgery.

4. How do I know if hemorrhoid embolization is risky or not?

Here’s a fact you must know: the hemorrhoid embolization technique is known to be the safest. It is a minor surgery where slight discomfort is only felt during the procedure. The pain in the recovery phase is bearable. It all depends on the hygiene and care the patients take to avoid getting the catheter insertion area infected.

5. Will I have to take a long leave from work after hemorrhoid embolization?

No, not at all. It will only take a day or two to get back on your feet. At most, a patient may take a week’s rest. With the flow of blood reduced, the hemorrhoids begin to shrink. The pain being bearable is not a point of concern when it comes to rejoining an active life.

Hemorrhoids: Common Myths vs Facts

Hemorrhoids are one of the most common anorectal conditions, yet they remain surrounded by myths.

Because many people feel embarrassed discussing rectal symptoms, misinformation often spreads more easily than facts.

Understanding what medical research actually says can help you recognize symptoms earlier and choose the most appropriate treatment.

Medical Facts

What are they?

Hemorrhoids are normal vascular cushions in the anal canal. They become a medical problem when they enlarge, bleed, become inflamed, form a clot, or prolapse.

Common Symptoms

Bright red rectal bleeding
Itching
Pain (more common with external thrombosed hemorrhoids)
Swelling
Tissue protruding during bowel movements

Main Risk Factors

Chronic constipation
Straining during bowel movements
Pregnancy
Obesity
Low-fiber diet
Prolonged sitting on the toilet
Aging

Can they be treated?

Yes. Treatment ranges from dietary changes and office-based procedures to surgery. Hemorrhoidal artery embolization is a newer minimally invasive option for carefully selected patients, particularly those with persistent bleeding.

Myth: Hemorrhoids Are Caused by Poor Hygiene

Fact: Poor hygiene does not cause hemorrhoids

According to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), hemorrhoids develop because pressure increases inside the veins and vascular cushions of the anal canal.

Good hygiene may reduce irritation, but it does not prevent hemorrhoids from developing.

Myth: Only Older Adults Get Hemorrhoids

Fact: Although age increases the risk, hemorrhoids affect adults of many ages.

Pregnancy, chronic constipation, obesity, prolonged sitting on the toilet, and occupations that involve heavy lifting can increase the likelihood of developing symptoms well before age 50.

Myth: Every Hemorrhoid Causes Pain

Fact: Many hemorrhoids cause no pain at all.

Internal hemorrhoids can bleed without causing discomfort because they develop above the area’s pain-sensitive nerves.

Pain is more commonly associated with thrombosed external hemorrhoids, where a blood clot forms beneath the skin.

Myth: If You Have Rectal Bleeding, It Must Be Hemorrhoids

Fact: This is one of the most dangerous misconceptions.

Bright red blood during bowel movements may result from hemorrhoids, but it can also indicate:

Anal fissures
Colorectal polyps
Inflammatory bowel disease
Diverticular disease
Colorectal cancer

For this reason, rectal bleeding should always be evaluated by a doctor, especially if it is persistent, recurrent, or accompanied by weight loss, anemia, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits.

Myth: Surgery Is the Only Effective Treatment

Fact: Many patients never need surgery.

Treatment depends on symptom severity and the type of hemorrhoids.

Options may include:

Increased dietary fiber
Better hydration
Stool softeners
Office procedures such as rubber band ligation
Sclerotherapy
Infrared coagulation
Hemorrhoid artery embolization
Surgical hemorrhoidectomy for selected cases

A personalized evaluation helps determine the most appropriate approach.

Myth #6: Hemorrhoids Always Come Back

Fact: Treatment can provide long-lasting relief.

However, hemorrhoids may recur if contributing factors remain unchanged.

A Newer Option: Hemorrhoidal artery embolization

One of the newest minimally invasive treatments for selected patients is Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolization, also known as the Emborrhoid technique.

During this outpatient procedure, an interventional radiologist inserts a thin catheter into an artery, through the wrist or groin. Using X-ray guidance, the physician identifies the arteries supplying the hemorrhoids and blocks selected branches with tiny embolic particles or coils.

This reduces blood flow to the hemorrhoidal tissue while preserving the surrounding anatomy.

Early studies have shown promising results, particularly for controlling bleeding, but long-term evidence is still developing.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Do not ignore symptoms that persist.

Medical evaluation is recommended if you experience:

Recurrent rectal bleeding
Severe pain
A lump that suddenly becomes very painful
Persistent prolapse
Symptoms that do not improve with home care
Unexplained weight loss
Changes in bowel habits
Iron-deficiency anemia

Seek urgent medical care for heavy or continuous bleeding, dizziness or fainting, black stools, fever, or severe abdominal or anal pain.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hemorrhoids

Can hemorrhoids go away without treatment?

Mild hemorrhoid symptoms can improve with increased fiber intake, hydration, and avoiding straining. Persistent or severe symptoms require medical evaluation.

Is every case of rectal bleeding caused by hemorrhoids?

No. Several medical conditions can cause rectal bleeding, including colorectal cancer. Persistent or unexplained bleeding should always be evaluated.

What is hemorrhoidal artery embolization?

It is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. Small embolic agents reduce blood flow to selected hemorrhoidal arteries, helping relieve symptoms in selected patients.

Who is a candidate for hemorrhoidal artery embolization?

Candidates are generally patients with symptomatic internal hemorrhoids and persistent or recurrent bleeding, especially when conservative or office-based treatments have not provided adequate relief or when surgery is not preferred. An interventional radiologist, often working with a colorectal specialist, can determine whether the procedure is appropriate.

Academic and Medical Sources

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) – Hemorrhoids

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/hemorrhoids

Cleveland Clinic – Hemorrhoids

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15120-hemorrhoids

Mayo Clinic

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes/syc-20360268

Emborrhoid: Rectal Artery Embolization for Hemorrhoid Disease

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9246490

South Florida Vascular Associates

+ posts

William Julien, MD

Board-Certified Vascular Interventional Physician at South Florida Vascular Associates | + posts

Dr. Julien has performed more than 40,000 vascular procedures across a 30-year career. Double board-certified in Interventional Radiology and Diagnostic Radiology by the American Board of Radiology, he is the co-founder and past president of the Outpatient Endovascular & Interventional Society, a national faculty speaker at SIR, TCT, VIVA, and the Southeastern Angiographic Society, and a published author. Named a Boca Magazine Top Doctor 2025.

Hemorrhoids: Common Myths vs Facts