At Texas Endovascular, we provide minimally invasive treatments for Grade 2-3 internal hemorrhoids. But how do you know what stage your hemorrhoid is at, in order to determine your best treatment option? In this post, we break down the hemorrhoid grading system to help you understand your treatment options.
Key takeaways:
- Internal hemorrhoids are graded based on degree of protrusion from the anus
- Grade 1 hemorrhoids may resolve on their own, while Grade 4 hemorrhoids will likely require surgical correction
- Grade 2-3 internal hemorrhoids can be treated with HAE, a minimally invasive procedure that provides relief with a reduced risk for complications
How Do You Know What Stage Your Hemorrhoid Is?
Internal hemorrhoids are classified on a grading system of 1 – 4, based on their level of prolapse from the anus.
- Grade 1 Hemorrhoids: These swollen vessels may protrude into your anal canal, but they will not prolapse out of your anus. At this grade, hemorrhoid symptoms tend to be mild, and the condition should resolve with minor lifestyle adjustments.
- Grade 2 Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids will prolapse when you strain or pass a bowel movement. (Both of these factors are also potential causes of hemorrhoids.) Despite prolapsing under pressure, Grade 2 hemorrhoids will return into your anal canal without assistance once the pressure is gone.
- Grade 3 Hemorrhoids: Protrusion occurs with straining or when passing a bowel movement, but return only happens with manual repositioning. Even though hemorrhoids at this stage can be manually repositioned into the rectum, they are classified as completely prolapsed.
- Grade 4 Hemorrhoids: The hemorrhoid remains prolapsed outside of the anus, and will not respond to attempts at manual repositioning. At this stage of protrusion, a surgical procedure will be the only available treatment option.
Grading Your Hemorrhoid Symptoms
Symptoms will change as your hemorrhoids become more prolapsed. Watching your symptom progression can help you decide when to seek treatment.
- Grade 1 symptoms include painless, bright red rectal bleeding during bowel movements
- Grade 2 symptoms include bleeding, burning, itching, feeling like you can't completely empty your bowels.
- Grade 3 symptoms include increased pain, more bleeding, and mucus-like discharge.
- Grade 4 symptoms include severe pain, swelling and a high likelihood of developing a thrombosed hemorrhoid. At that point, hemorrhoids can burst, causing heavy bleeding.
Can Hemorrhoids Go Away On Their Own?
Grade 1 hemorrhoids may resolve without treatment, especially if you follow a diet to help hemorrhoids or make other lifestyle modifications. Grade 2 hemorrhoids may shrink without a medical procedure, but Grade 3 hemorrhoids will not self-resolve and Grade 4 hemorrhoids must be treated surgically. As such, it’s important to speak to your doctor as soon as you notice symptoms such as itching, prolapsing or bleeding when you pass a bowel movement. When you receive a diagnosis at an earlier grade of prolapse, you will be able to find relief with less invasive treatment options.
How Do You Know What Stage Your Hemorrhoid is in Need of Treatment?
While rarely dangerous, untreated hemorrhoids can cause intrusive symptoms that interfere with your quality of life. For that reason, seeking early treatment is the best way to prevent progression and protect your health. Ready to find relief from bulging, itchy and uncomfortable hemorrhoids? We’re here to help. Reach out to our team to request a consultation at one of our seven Texas Hemorrhoid Institute locations.
