Doctors categorize hemorrhoid problems into four categories: grades I through IV. Grade I is the least severe, and then the conditions are characterized up to the worst being grade IV. Your doctor or specialist can diagnose your specific condition. You may think you need surgery, but there are many non-surgical treatments that you should explore with your doctor. There are a variety of outpatient procedures that can be performed, and there are even a few things you may try at home. Except for the most severe cases, most hemorrhoids can be treated without surgery. The following are a few of them.

A basic approach

If you are experiencing swelling, itching, bleeding, or pain from your hemorrhoids, the first course of action is to treat the condition with over-the-counter ointments. They can help with itching and swelling. In addition, soaking in a tub can help. Over the course of several weeks, you can increase the fiber in your diet and exercise regularly. Both of these will help you have regular bowel movements. This will relieve irritation of the hemorrhoids from constipation.

Injections to reduce swelling

These injections contain certain chemicals that attempt to damage blood vessels in the hemorrhoids. The idea is to reduce the amount of blood going the hemorrhoids, and thus, reduce the swelling and relieving pain. This procedure is usually done in a doctor's office and is done more than once, with the treatments spaced out over several weeks.

Infrared coagulation

This is also an outpatient procedure and works similarly in concept to injections. But instead of using chemicals, it is heat generated by infrared light. A probe delivers quick bursts of infrared light that destroys blood vessels in the hemorrhoids and deprives the hemorrhoid of oxygen, so the swelling is reduced. This treatment requires more than one trip to the doctor's office.

Banding to remove hemorrhoids

This is usually done for larger hemorrhoids. It is called banding because it literally uses small rubber bands, which are employed around the hemorrhoid. Using a special tool, the banding is tightened and cuts off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid. The hemorrhoid then dies and passes through the stool with the rubber band. The procedures must be done for each hemorrhoid and can take several weeks. It is also an outpatient procedure.

If you have a hemorrhoid problem, your first step is to see if you can treat the problem. If your condition seems beyond the scope of over-the-counter remedies in conjunction with diet and exercise, you should see a doctor immediately. If you're not sure if your problem is hemorrhoids, you should see a doctor as well. But keep in mind, there are many non-surgical procedures, even some not listed above, that your doctor can do without a trip to the hospital.

Talk to a doctor for more information about non-surgical hemorrhoid treatments.