Hemorrhoids are a pretty common condition among middle-aged people all over the world. They’re inflamed blood veins around the rectum and the anus and the symptoms are literally irritating.
The symptoms include pain, irritation, and discomfort. Here you can read all about the early signs of hemorrhoids. Now, there are a lot of different treatment methods that can be found everywhere. And among them, there are hemorrhoid suppositories available for you to use to get relief from the symptoms.
But these reliefs you’ll get from hemorrhoids are temporary and they don’t permanently cure your hemorrhoids. These suppositories are used for reducing burning, pain, and itching caused by dry anus which also is caused by hemorrhoid conditions.
This kind of medication contains phenylephrine that is known for its uses as sympathomimetic amines. This particular component from the suppository works by shrinking the blood veins in the rectum temporarily. And that’s how it reduces the inflammation and irritation from your hemorrhoids.
There are other suppositories that contain hard fat, mineral oil, cocoa butter which work by creating a barrier to stop the irritation by preventing contact with stool.
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Hemorrhoidal Suppositories Options
There are several types of hemorrhoid suppositories that are available in the market and you can choose any of them unless you’re allergic to any of the components from the suppository. Using OTC prescribed suppositories, there are also herbal alternative forms of suppositories that are perfect to use with the least side effects.
They are made only to provide your hemorrhoids with pain relief. The only thing you should keep in mind is that they are not for shrinking or reducing your inflammation.
It won’t cure your hemorrhoids but it’ll work amazingly to reduce the symptoms of your hemorrhoids.
Why Suppository Over Topical Treatment
Internal hemorrhoids are formed inside the rectum and external hemorrhoids are quite the opposite. External ones cause severe itching, pain, and discomfort.
Internal hemorrhoids also cause similar symptoms but they’re not as severe as external hemorrhoids. That’s because the external hemorrhoids include tissue lining and internal hemorrhoids don’t have enough nerve endings.
OTC Hemorrhoid Medications
There are a lot of OTC medications that can be prescribed by your doctor to treat the symptoms of both types of hemorrhoids. Now, you can use topical ointments, creams, and pastes to apply on external hemorrhoids to get rid of the annoying symptoms.
But suppositories are better for both internal and external hemorrhoids, and especially best for internal hemorrhoids. Since there is pretty much no use of topical medications for internal hemorrhoids.
The suppositories work by getting absorbed by the rectal tissues. And that’s how it helps to reduce the irritation and discomfort that are caused by hemorrhoids.
They also work great with external hemorrhoid conditions. The suppositories can also work by soothing the symptoms from external hemorrhoids.
Also, check out this info video on how you can easily get rid of your hemorrhoids too.
When Do I Use Suppositories?
If you’re using hemorrhoid suppositories, you should probably know that they are typically used 2-4 times a day for a week. If you want the effects to last longer, it’s recommended that you use the hemorrhoid suppositories right after passing stools.
Now, in terms of topical products, hemorrhoid suppositories work at a whole new level. First of all, topical products such as creams and ointment only work by applying them on external skin when you need relief from irritation and pain.
But the relief you’ll get from using hemorrhoid suppositories is more long-lasting than using topical products. That’s because hemorrhoid suppositories work longer by breaking down slowly and it keeps releasing the components of the medication over a long time so that the effects are also long-lasting.
The most common similarities between topical products for hemorrhoids and hemorrhoid suppositories is that they shouldn’t be used for a long time. If you use them for a long time, it may cause different complications and we wouldn’t want to have them.
Using Hemorrhoid Suppositories
Having bleeding sessions is pretty normal if you have hemorrhoids. And it’s always bright red blood on your stool or your toilet paper. Even though if you are having bleeding sessions, using hemorrhoid suppositories is still safe.
But if the blood in your stool is black or if you see a big amount of blood on your stool, do not delay any further and immediately go to the doctor for a specific and better treatment.
It’s completely normal and easy to insert the hemorrhoid suppository on your own. But if you’re not feeling like it, you can ask any family member to help you. At least until you get used to the hemorrhoid suppositories.
How To Use Hemorrhoid Suppositories
First of all, you’ll need the hemorrhoid suppository and the applicator that comes with it before using and that’s pretty obvious. Of course, make sure that there’s a sink and soap nearby so that it gets easier to clean yourself afterward.
It is also normal to use lubricants since using lubricant jellies to your anus will help to insert the hemorrhoid suppository inside the anus much easier.
Make sure that the suppository is in firm condition and not damaged. You can also put the suppository in the refrigerator before using it if it feels a bit warm. Cooling the hemorrhoid suppository will help you get extra relief from your hemorrhoid condition. This trick by cooling the suppository before sliding it inside worked really well for me when it kind of numbed the hemorrhoids at the same time.
Before using the hemorrhoid suppositories, you’ll need to empty your bowel if you’re feeling like it. That’s because the suppository will be inside your anal canal.
Steps On Using Hemorrhoid Suppositories
When you’re ready to insert the hemorrhoid suppository, you’ll have to remove your lower clothing first which is obvious. Then you’ll have to remove the wrappings on the hemorrhoid suppository that you’re going to use.
Using lubricated jelly with the suppositories
Use a bit of lubricating jelly on the whole body of the hemorrhoid suppository. You need to keep in mind not to use petroleum jelly-based lubrication like vaseline or anything similar. These kinds of lubricating agents will prevent the hemorrhoid suppository from melting and that’s not what we want for us to work with.
Positions to insert the suppository
You can insert it in several positions. One position is standing beside a chair with one foot popped up from the ground. Another position is lying down on one side of the bed with the bottom leg straight and the top leg tucked toward your belly.
The next step is to relax your behind and start by taking a deep breath.
Inserting the suppository
After having a relaxed mood, proceed to insert the suppository into your anal canal. And of course, the pointy end goes first. Then push the suppository inside your rectum gently but do give it a firm push. You’ll have to make sure that the suppository is at least 2 cm past the anal sphincter.
After insertion of the suppository
After the insertion of the hemorrhoid suppository, you’ll have to hold your position for about 15 minutes. Meaning, if you were standing, then sit down for 15 minutes. And if you were lying down, then stay like that for 15 minutes. That helps the suppository to melt itself down from the heat of your body and the absorption of the medication can start afterward.
After staying in the position for 15 minutes, dress up and get rid o the wrappings of the hemorrhoid suppository. Then proceed to wash your hands and that’s about it.
What Else You Should Know
After using the suppository, you’ll have to stop using the toilet for releasing stool or urinating for at least an hour. Cause it will give the suppository more time to work. If you use the bathroom, it will be wiped or washed away by the bowel movement.
You can obviously read the directions from the product package and follow the instructions from there but it will say pretty much the same we’re saying here. Obviously, the suppositories are for use inside the rectum only and not for consumption. You can use the suppository up to 4 times a day and usually used in both morning and the evening at least.
Side Effects Of Hemorrhoid Suppositories
Like all the medications, hemorrhoid suppositories also might have side effects but not everyone will experience the side effects. And since there are a lot of different hemorrhoid suppositories available in the market, the side effects might vary from person to person.
If you’ve been using a hemorrhoid suppository for only a small period of time, then you don’t have to worry about any side effects because you probably won’t feel anything serious. But if you’re slightly allergic to any of the components, you may or may not notice a little bit of burning sensation.
You also might feel a bit chilly feeling if you’re inserting the suppository for the first time. But it’ll only last for a few minutes and you can stop worrying about it altogether.
Serious Side Effects
If your hemorrhoid suppository is combined with any steroids or any component you’re allergic to, you won’t exactly find any serious side effects. Serious side effects are only visible if you are allergic to the suppositories.
If you’re allergic to it, you might feel irritation and discomfort. If you’re finding any discomfort or notice worsening of your hemorrhoids, you need to see your doctor immediately and stop taking the medication right away. Always remember to use it for a limited amount of time and not for a long period of time.