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Hemorrhoid Treatment Cost

Hemorrhoids are inflamed or swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus. According to the Mayo Clinic, hemorrhoids are extremely common, affecting about half of adults by age 50. There are many available treatments that are low-cost and over-the-counter. There are also some lifestyle changes that can help treat and prevent hemorrhoids.

  1. Causes

    • Straining, sitting on the toilet for long periods of time, obesity, ongoing diarrhea or constipation, pregnancy and anal intercourse can cause hemorrhoids. Anything that irritates the veins of the anus or rectum can cause hemorrhoids. Weakening veins is a natural part of the aging process. This is why hemorrhoids are more common in older people, according to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons

    Topical Creams

    • Many topical creams are available over-the-counter for hemorrhoid treatment. The active ingredient in most of these creams is phenylephrine, a drug that causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing the inflammation of hemorrhoids, according to the website Hemorrhoid Cream. Some hemorrhoid creams also contain hydrocortisone, another type of anti-inflammatory drug that can also help reduce itching. Over-the-counter creams vary in cost, but most are under ten dollars.

    Minimally Invasive Procedures

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, procedures such as rubber band ligation, injection with tissue-shrinking medications and laser therapies to treat internal hemorrhoids can cure the condition entirely for many patients. These treatments can be administered on an outpatient basis. These procedures are usually covered by insurance but can cost from $500 to $1500 for the uninsured patient, according to the website Cost Helper.

    Surgery

    • Surgery is the most expensive hemorrhoid treatment method and, according to Cost Helper, can cost up to $12,000. Surgery is typically only recommended when all other treatments have failed. According to Surgical Associates at Virginia Hospital, hemorrhoid surgeries include hemorrhoidectomy, surgical removal of the hemorrhoids; and stapling, the pinching off of the hemorrhoid's blood flow.

    Diet

    • Eating more fiber can help regulate bowel movements, reducing stress and strain on the veins in the anus and rectum, according to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Eating more fruits and vegetables and drinking eight glasses of water a day can also help to regulate digestion. These are low-cost measures that can prevent hemorrhoids and the potentially high-cost medications and surgeries they may necessitate.

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