Come on…. nobody wants to talk about hemorrhoids. They’re the awkward guest at the dinner table no one invited; but once they show up… well, they make their presence known. Whether it’s burning, itching, swelling, or that unmistakable ‘something’s not quite right back there’ feeling, hemorrhoids can stem from a number of causes, and they’re more common than you might think.
At MINT, our focus is on taking uncomfortable topics and making them more comfortable to live with, or better still, helping you get rid of them altogether. If you’ve been silently suffering or making excuses to avoid sitting for too long, this one’s for you.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus. Think of them as varicose veins, just in a less glamorous location. They can be internal (inside the rectum) or external (under the skin around the anus), and they’re incredibly common. In fact, estimates suggest that around half of the American population will deal with them by age 50; So you’re in good (if not slightly uncomfortable) company.
It’s also interesting to note that among people over the age of 45, 25% of those who develop hemorrhoids are women, while 15% are men.
So, what causes them?
Most hemorrhoids result from increased pressure in the lower rectum. That pressure might come from:
Sometimes there’s no single cause — just a perfect storm of lifestyle and genetics. Either way, they’re frustrating, uncomfortable, and in many cases, completely treatable.
That depends.
For mild hemorrhoids, lifestyle changes can help: more fiber, more water, less straining, and fewer hours scrolling on the toilet.
Over-the-counter creams, wipes, and suppositories can take the edge off — but they often treat symptoms, not the root cause. Ditto for inflatable cushions and DIY sitz baths.
But here’s the rub: for many people, hemorrhoids don’t go away for good. They flare up repeatedly, become more uncomfortable over time, or start to interfere with everyday life.
If your hemorrhoids keep coming back like a bad sequel, or if symptoms are starting to affect your daily routine, it’s time to look at other options. And no, that doesn’t have to mean surgery.
Say hello to hemorrhoid embolization.
Here’s where things get exciting — well, as exciting as hemorrhoid treatment can be.
Hemorrhoid embolization is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure performed by our expert interventional radiologists at MINT STL. Unlike traditional surgery, which removes the hemorrhoid tissue, embolization works by reducing blood flow to the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink naturally over time.
Here’s the gist:
Sound too good to be true? It’s not. Clinical studies show promising long-term outcomes with fewer complications than surgical alternatives.
You might be wondering: if this treatment is so great, why haven’t I heard of it?
Simple. Hemorrhoid embolization is a relatively new technique, and not every clinic offers it. But at MINT, our interventional radiology team is trained in the latest, evidence-based treatments — and we’ve created a clinic that puts your privacy, dignity, and comfort first.
We also understand that walking into a clinic to talk about your backside isn’t on anyone’s bucket list. That’s why our team focuses on discreet consultations, gentle care, and clear explanations without the medical jargon.
You're not just a case file. You're a human being who's probably been dealing with a lot more than you'd like to admit.
Hemorrhoid embolization is especially useful for people with:
It's not the right fit for absolutely everyone, but that’s what a consultation is for. We’ll walk you through your options and help you decide what’s best — no pressure, no judgment.
If you’re curious about natural approaches, you can try before considering procedures, be sure to check out our blog: How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids Naturally: What Really Works (and What Doesn’t). It’s a down-to-earth look at lifestyle tips and myths — written with you in mind.
You don’t have to suffer quietly. You don’t have to keep throwing money at creams that barely help. And you certainly don’t have to settle for surgery if there’s a better option on the table.
At MINT STL, we believe your comfort matters — and we’re proud to offer advanced, effective, and discreet treatment options like hemorrhoid embolization.
If you’ve been putting off getting help, let this be your (gentle, friendly) nudge. Relief is possible — and it might be just a conversation away.
Get in touch with the team at MINT STL today and schedule your private consultation. Your future self (and your backside) will thank you.
