Understanding Prolapsed Hemorrhoids and Your Treatment Options

A prolapsed hemorrhoid occurs when an internal hemorrhoid enlarges enough to extend outside the anus. While some prolapsed hemorrhoids retract on their own, others must be gently pushed back inside or remain permanently outside the body. This condition can cause discomfort, irritation, bleeding, and difficulty with everyday activities.

Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE) is an advanced, minimally invasive treatment option for eligible patients with Grade 2 and Grade 3 prolapsed internal hemorrhoids. Performed as an outpatient procedure, HAE reduces the blood flow that keeps hemorrhoids swollen, helping them shrink over time without surgery, incisions, or tissue removal.

What Is a Prolapsed Hemorrhoid?

Internal hemorrhoids are graded based on how far they protrude from the rectum.

Grade 2 prolapsed hemorrhoids temporarily bulge outside the anus during bowel movements but return inside on their own.

Grade 3 prolapsed hemorrhoids extend outside the anus and must be manually pushed back into place.

Grade 4 hemorrhoids remain permanently prolapsed and typically require surgical treatment.

Unlike external hemorrhoids, prolapsed hemorrhoids originate inside the rectum. As they enlarge over time, the supporting tissue weakens, allowing them to protrude during bowel movements or physical activity.

Symptoms of Prolapsed Hemorrhoids

Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the prolapse but commonly include:

• Tissue protruding from the anus
• Rectal bleeding during bowel movements
• Swelling around the anus
• Itching or irritation
• A feeling of fullness or pressure
• Mucus discharge
• Pain or discomfort while sitting
• Difficulty cleaning after bowel movements

Although some symptoms may come and go, prolapsed hemorrhoids generally worsen without treatment.

What Causes Prolapsed Hemorrhoids?

Several factors increase pressure within the veins of the rectum, causing hemorrhoids to enlarge and eventually prolapse.

Common causes include:

• Chronic constipation
• Frequent straining during bowel movements
• Low-fiber diet
• Prolonged sitting, especially on the toilet
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Obesity
• Heavy lifting
• Aging and weakening rectal tissues
• Family history of hemorrhoids

While lifestyle modifications may help reduce symptoms, they often cannot reverse chronic prolapsed hemorrhoids once they develop.

When Should You Seek Treatment?

Many people delay seeking care because they feel embarrassed discussing hemorrhoids. However, rectal bleeding and prolapsing tissue should always be evaluated by a physician to confirm hemorrhoids are the cause and to rule out other gastrointestinal conditions.

You should schedule an evaluation if you experience:

• Recurrent rectal bleeding
• Hemorrhoids that prolapse regularly
• Pain that interferes with sitting or daily activities
• Persistent swelling or irritation
• Symptoms that continue despite home treatment

Early treatment can help prevent progression and improve long-term outcomes.

Minimally Invasive Treatment for Prolapsed Hemorrhoids

For patients with Grade 2 and Grade 3 prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE) offers an effective alternative to traditional surgery.

Rather than removing hemorrhoid tissue, HAE targets the arteries supplying excess blood flow to the hemorrhoids. During this outpatient procedure, an interventional radiologist guides a tiny catheter through a small pinhole in the wrist or groin using advanced imaging technology. Small particles are then used to reduce blood flow, allowing the hemorrhoids to gradually shrink over the following weeks.

Because no tissue is removed and nothing is inserted into the rectum, patients typically experience less pain and a faster recovery compared with conventional hemorrhoid surgery.

Benefits of Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization

For appropriate candidates, HAE offers several advantages:

• Covered by most insurance plans when medically necessary
• No surgical incisions
• No tissue removal
• Same-day outpatient procedure
• Minimal discomfort
• Faster recovery
• Reduced bleeding and swelling
• Long-lasting symptom relief

Find Out If You're a Candidate

If prolapsed hemorrhoids are affecting your comfort, confidence, or quality of life, you don't have to continue living with the symptoms. The specialists at Texas Endovascular provide comprehensive evaluations to determine whether Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization is the right treatment for your condition.

Schedule a consultation at one of our convenient Houston or Dallas-area locations to learn more about minimally invasive treatment options for prolapsed hemorrhoids and begin your path toward lasting relief.