Hemorrhoids
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Hemorrhoids are a painful condition that affects millions of men and women. Hemorrhoids refer to a condition where the veins in the lower rectum and around the anus are swollen, dilated and inflamed (similar to varicose veins in legs). This can result in pain, itching, irritation, burning and sometimes bleeding – this indicates a flare-up. Learn more about hemorrhoids.
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There are two types of hemorrhoids, internal and external. Internal hemorrhoids occur inside the rectum and external hemorrhoids develop under the skin around the anus. Learn more about internal and external hemorrhoids. * Harvard Health Publications. “Hemorrhoids and what to do about them.” Harvard Women’s Health Watch, 2004.
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Hemorrhoids are very common. About 75% of all Americans will have hemorrhoids at some point in their lives. Hemorrhoids are not gender-, race- or age-specific. Hemorrhoids are most common among adults ages 45 to 65. Hemorrhoids are also common in pregnant women and new mothers. Learn more about who gets hemorrhoids
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Hemorrhoids are caused by pressure in the hemorrhoid veins. There are several reasons pregnancy may cause extra pressure. For one, a pregnant woman's enlarged womb increases pressure in the hemorrhoid veins. Secondly, a pregnant woman's blood supply actually increases during pregnancy, raising the pressure within her veins. Lastly, a pregnant woman's hormones tend to relax the anal and rectal area's supporting muscles as the baby presses more and more on the veins below it. All these can create extra pressure that triggers hemorrhoids to flare up or form. Add to all of this the fact that pregnancy often causes constipation (a trigger of hemorrhoids), it is no wonder why expectant mothers get hemorrhoids. If you had hemorrhoids before pregnancy, you're more likely to get them again while pregnant. They may also develop or flare up with the increase of pressure caused by straining during labor. For more information, see Just for Moms.
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There are surgical options for people with severe hemorrhoids. To determine whether surgery is right for you, talk to your healthcare provider.
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Everyone has a hemorrhoidal plexus, a vascular cushion lining the lowest part of the rectum or anus. A hemorrhoid is a condition in which the veins and tissues in and around the anus swell due to excessive pressure. This is called a flare-up. Learn more about flare-ups.
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The duration of a flare-up varies by person. They can last anywhere from a few days to over a week. Some people have flare-ups once a month, others only once every few years. Read more about treating flare-ups.
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You can reduce the risk of flare-ups by following a high-fiber diet, exercising and not causing extra strain while sitting or standing. For more suggestions on reducing the risk of flare-ups, see Live Better
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You can treat hemorrhoid symptoms away from home with PREPARATION H Totables. They are portable and discreet so you can treat and relieve your hemorrhoid symptoms away from home. For tips on treating hemorrhoids away from home, see Treating Flare-Ups Away From Home
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Stress doesn't necessarily cause hemorrhoids but constipation (which may be caused by stress) can cause hemorrhoids. Learn more about stress and hemorrhoids.
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Yes, hemorrhoids tend to run in families. If anyone in your family has hemorrhoids, it's a good idea for you to take care of your lifestyle and diet.
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A balanced diet, rich in fiber and fluids, can help prevent constipation (a common cause of hemorrhoids and flare-ups). Learn more about what to eat.
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There is no reason to avoid exercise because of hemorrhoids, unless it is uncomfortable. If an exercise doesn't feel right, then choose a different exercise. If you have had hemorrhoid flare-ups in the past, you may want to avoid exercises that increase pressure in the anal area because that can trigger a hemorrhoid flare-up. Examples of this type of activity are horseback riding or bicycling (because they place pressure on your rectum) and weightlifting (because it causes exertion, straining and bearing down on the rectal area). For tips on exercises to do (and avoid), see Physical Activity.
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Some exercises can help reduce your risk of flare-ups by stimulating bowel function and/or toning the rectal area. Moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking 20 minutes a day, can stimulate bowel function.* Other beneficial cardio activities include running, swimming and aerobics. They also stimulate bowel function as well as enhance blood flow and muscle tone. * Harvard Health Publications. “Hemorrhoids and what to do about them.” Harvard Women’s Health Watch, 2004.
Products
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To find the right relief for your symptoms, try our Personal Relief Finder. Always be sure to read and follow label directions and consult with your healthcare provider with any questions.
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PREPARATION H Suppositories reduce internal swelling and are ideal for nighttime relief. PREPARATION H Ointment comes with an applicator for internal use. For a personalized product recommendation, see the Personal Relief Finder
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We have products that treat a range of external hemorrhoid symptoms:
- PREPARATION H Ointment
- PREPARATION H Rapid Relief with Lidocaine Cream
- PREPARATION H Multi-Symptom Pain Relief Cream
- PREPARATION H Anti-Itch Cream Hydrocortisone 1%
- PREPARATION H Cooling Gel
- NEW! PREPARATION H Rapid Relief Totables Wipes
- PREPARATION H Medicated Wipes
- PREPARATION H Medicated Wipes for Women
- PREPARATION H Totables Irritation Relief Wipes
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PREPARATION H Medicated Wipes are made with advanced wipe technology, have been scientifically tested to be flushable and are safe for well-maintained sewer and septic systems*. They are made with 100% plant-based materials and are free from chemical binders.* Not recommended for use with basement pump systems. Flush only one wipe at a time.
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Lidocaine is a powerful numbing agent, which rapidly relieves painful, itching, and burning hemorrhoid symptoms. PREPARATION H Rapid Relief with Lidocaine Cream contains 5% lidocaine, the highest strength available, plus, glycerin to provide a soothing, protective layer.
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The applicator (pile pipe) is for use in the rectum only. To use: 1. Wash your hands before and after. Try to empty your bowel and bladder just before use. 2. Remove protective cover from applicator. Attach applicator to tube. 3. Squeeze to fill the applicator with ointment. 4. Lubricate applicator well and then gently insert applicator into the rectum ½ inch. 5. Squeeze the tube so that ointment is applied inside rectum. 6. Thoroughly cleanse applicator after each use and replace protective cover. 7. Avoid having a bowel movement for one to three hours after inserting the ointment.
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The convenient stand-up box is available in PREPARATION H Ointment, Multi-Symptom Pain Relief Cream, Cooling Gel, and Rapid Relief with Lidocaine Cream. No ingredients have been changed. All of the formulas are the same products you trust for your hemorrhoid relief. You can find PREPARATION H in the stand-up boxes at Walmart.
Purchasing
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For savings on PREPARATION H products, go to Savings or call our Customer Service Call Center at 1-800-99PREPH (997-7374).
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For a list of places to buy PREPARATION H, go to Where to Buy. Our products are available at most retail, grocery, mass and drugstore outlets, as well as at many online retailers. Please ask the store manager for assistance if you do not see the product on the shelf.
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We have several sizes available for many of our PREPARATION H products—from 0.2 oz. tubes to 56-count packages. Our products are available at most retail, grocery, mass and drugstore outlets, as well as at many online retailers. If you do not see the size you wish to purchase, please speak with the store manager. See what sizes your favorite PREPARATION H products come in.
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You can use your HSA and FSA tax-preferred savings account to purchase OTC products including Preparation H. The passage of the CARES Act by US Congress includes provisions to restore OTC eligibility undertax-preferred HSA and FSA accounts. But your plan details may vary, so save your receipt and check with your benefits or health provider for eligibility.
