Overview

It is estimated that 3 out of 4 people will have to deal with hemorrhoids at some point during their life.  This uncomfortable condition occurs when veins in the anus and rectum are subjected to prolonged stress and become swollen and inflamed as a result.

There are many factors that can cause this prolonged stress on the anal area, such as constipation and sitting for extended periods of time.  Both put undue stress on the veins in the anal area, and hemorrhoids can be the result.

Fortunately for hemorrhoids sufferers there are a great variety of hemroids treatment methods available today.  These range from simple medications to more invasive treatments like surgery.  Generally, if hemorrhoids are caught in the early stages, when symptoms first appear, hemorrhoids medications, diet and lifestyle changes or even natural herbal remedies can all be quite effective at treating the condition.  It is only in rare cases that hemroids become so severe that surgery becomes a viable option, and this is usually only in a small percentage of the population who suffer from hemroids.

Infrared Coagulation Therapy

One treatment method for more advanced or severe cases of hemorrhoids which has gained in popularity in recent years is Infrared Coagulation therapy (IRC).  During this procedure, a doctor uses a device which produces an intense beam of infrared light to literally heat the hemorrhoidal tissue until scar tissue is formed.  This scar tissue cuts off the blood supply to the hemroids, and without blood circulation the hemorrhoids eventually shrink up and wither away.

The scar tissue that Infrared Coagulation produces in the walls of the anal canal serves another purpose in the fight against hemroids.  The walls of the anus and rectum are actually strengthened by it, and they veins in the anus are prevented from bulging into the anal canal, thus preventing new hemorrhoids from developing in the area.

Using Infrared Coagulation therapy, only one hemorrhoid can be treated at a time, but the procedure can be repeated after a 10 to 14 day interval.  The procedure has to occur in a doctor’s office, and there is some pain and heat sensation experienced during the treatment.

If you are considering Infrared Coagulation to treat your hemroids, you should weigh all the advantages and disadvantages before making a decision.  Infrared Coagulation does have a shorter and less painful recovery period than other types of hemroids treatments such as surgery.  Success rates can vary, however, depending upon the skill of the doctor performing the IRC procedure.  Furthermore, Infrared Coagulation therapy can be relatively expensive compared to other hemorrhoids treatment methods such as medications or simple diet or lifestyle changes.

As with any treatment method for hemorrhoids, you should always consult with your doctor before deciding upon a particular remedy.  He or she can help you weigh the pros and cons of Infrared Coagulation therapy to see if this particular hemroids treatment is appropriate for your specific individual case of hemroids.