5 Key Signs It’s Time to Consider Advanced Hemorrhoid Treatment

For many people, hemorrhoids are an uncomfortable but temporary issue affecting around 1 in 20 men and women. A little over-the-counter cream, more fiber, maybe a few sitz baths, and things might improve. But what happens when the discomfort sticks around? What if the bleeding, itching, and pain don’t go away?

If you’ve tried conservative remedies with no lasting relief, it might be time to explore a more advanced hemorrhoid treatment. At the Midwest Institute for Non-Surgical Therapy (Mint), we offer hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE), a modern, non-surgical solution that’s changing how we treat this common condition.

Here are five signs that your hemorrhoids might need more than home remedies,  and why HAE could be the answer.

1. Persistent Pain or Discomfort

It’s one thing to have occasional irritation. But if you’ve been dealing with ongoing pain or discomfort for weeks or even months, that’s a red flag. Chronic hemorrhoids can lead to inflammation that interferes with your daily life,  from sitting at your desk to enjoying time with family.

You shouldn’t have to just “deal with it.” If discomfort becomes your new normal, it’s time to explore more effective hemorrhoid treatment options.

2. Frequent Bleeding During Bowel Movements

Spotting a little blood now and then can be normal with hemorrhoids, especially if you’re straining. But regular bleeding is not something to ignore. Not only is it a sign that your hemorrhoids may be worsening, but it could also lead to iron deficiency anemia over time.

If you notice blood on the toilet paper or in the bowl more than occasionally, don’t brush it off. A vascular specialist can determine if you’re a good candidate for hemorrhoid artery embolization, which targets the problem at its source.

3. External Hemorrhoids That Prolapse or Don’t Respond to Creams

When hemorrhoids become external and prolapse (meaning they bulge outside the rectum), they can cause serious discomfort and hygiene challenges. Studies suggest a significant amount of hemorrhoids will prolapse at some point. When this happens,  over-the-counter treatments often don’t provide relief in these cases, especially if the hemorrhoids won’t shrink or keep returning.

Repeated flare-ups or prolapse are strong indicators that your hemorrhoids are beyond what creams and pads can fix. HAE offers a minimally invasive alternative to surgery that works from the inside, reducing blood flow to the hemorrhoids, so they shrink over time without the need for cutting or stitches.

4. You’re Avoiding Daily Activities Out of Embarrassment or Pain

Hemorrhoids don’t just hurt, they can be deeply frustrating and embarrassing. If you’ve found yourself skipping social outings, canceling workouts, or feeling anxious about simple daily tasks because of your symptoms, that’s more than just an inconvenience.

You deserve to feel like yourself again. At Mint, we believe hemorrhoid treatment should help you restore your quality of life not just manage symptoms. HAE is performed as an outpatient procedure with minimal recovery time, so you can get back to living your life with confidence.

5. You’ve Been Told Surgery Is Your Only Option

Many patients come to us feeling discouraged after being told that invasive surgery is the only way to treat their hemorrhoids. While surgery may be necessary in some extreme cases, it’s not the only option for most people.

Hemorrhoid artery embolization is a safe, non-surgical treatment that utilises particles to target and block the arteries feeding your hemorrhoids. By reducing blood supply, the hemorrhoids naturally shrink over time, and symptoms improve, all without the risks or downtime of surgery.

If you’ve been told to prepare for an operation, it’s worth getting a second opinion. You may be a perfect candidate for HAE.

What Is Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization?

Hemorrhoid artery embolization is an image-guided procedure performed by a vascular specialist. Using a tiny catheter, the doctor accesses the blood vessels supplying the hemorrhoids and inserts tiny particles to block the blood flow. This causes the hemorrhoids to shrink gradually over time.

HAE is:

• Performed under local anesthesia
• Minimally invasive (no cutting)
• Done on an outpatient basis (go home the same day)
• Backed by clinical research
• Associated with lower risk and faster recovery than surgery

Most patients return to their normal routine within a few days, and many experience significant relief without needing any follow-up procedures.

Why Choose Mint for Hemorrhoid Treatment?

At the Midwest Institute for Non-Surgical Therapy (MINT), we specialize in advanced vascular care with a patient-first approach. Our team is highly trained in hemorrhoid artery embolization and other cutting-edge procedures designed to offer relief without surgery.

We understand how frustrating it is to live with chronic hemorrhoids. That’s why we take the time to listen, explain your options, and develop a personalized treatment plan that works for you.

Ready to Explore a Better Option?

You don’t have to live with the pain, bleeding, or embarrassment of chronic hemorrhoids. If you’ve tried everything and still can’t find relief, it might be time for a new approach.

Contact Mint today to schedule a consultation and find out if hemorrhoid artery embolization is right for you. It’s time to take the next step toward lasting relief without surgery.

Call 314 255 2204 or visit our website to choose your location. We have several convenient locations across the Missouri and Illinois areas.