What shrinks hemorrhoids fast is an evident question for every patient. While hemorrhoids may take weeks to months to fully heal, there are several methods that can help rapidly reduce the size of swollen hemorrhoidal tissue and provide quick symptom relief.
Lifestyle changes, over-the-counter treatments, and simple office procedures can promote faster hemorrhoid shrinkage.
What Shrinks Hemorrhoids Fast: Key Points
- Increase fiber and fluid intake to soften stools.
- Take sitz baths and apply creams to reduce swelling.
- Use ice packs and exercise to improve circulation.
- Take OTC pain medication to relieve discomfort.
- Office procedures swiftly shrink prolapsed hemorrhoids.
Increase Fiber Intake
Consuming more high-fiber foods softens stools and decreases straining during bowel movements, which minimizes irritation and swelling of hemorrhoid tissue.
Sources of fiber like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds help reduce hemorrhoid size relatively quickly with consistent intake. Take supplements if needed.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking adequate water and clear fluids keeps stools soft and easy to pass while preventing constipation and hard stools that aggravate hemorrhoids.
Proper hydration enables hemorrhoids to shrink more rapidly. Drink at least 64 ounces of non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic fluids daily.
Soak in Warm Sitz Baths
Sitting in a warm tub of plain water for 10-15 minutes 2-3 times a day can help hemorrhoids shrink quickly by improving blood flow and relaxing spasms in the rectal muscles. Not just in hemorrhoids, Stiz Baths can ensure comfort in many other cases.
The warm water has an anti-inflammatory effect. Be sure to dry the area thoroughly afterward.
Apply OTC Hemorrhoid Creams
Over-the-counter topical creams, ointments, and suppositories containing ingredients like hydrocortisone, witch hazel, and aloe vera can reduce swelling, pain, and itching caused by hemorrhoids.
Consistent application helps hemorrhoids shrink faster.
Try Ice Packs
Applying an ice pack or cold compress to the anal area for 10 minutes at a time constricts blood vessels, reduces inflammation, and may help hemorrhoids shrink quickly.
Always wrap ice in a cloth before applying. Alternate ice with sitz baths for best results.
Get More Exercise
Being active helps prevent constipation by improving digestion and stool movement through the colon.
Moderate exercise that raises the heart rate also stimulates circulation, bringing fresh blood to hemorrhoids to promote faster healing. Target 30 minutes daily.
OTC Pain Medication
Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen helps reduce discomfort and swelling, enabling hemorrhoids to heal and shrink more rapidly.
Follow all dosage instructions carefully.
Office Procedures Provide Fast Relief
Outpatient treatments like rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, and infrared coagulation cut off the blood supply to hemorrhoids to make them shrink quickly.
They are applied in a doctor’s office and provide rapid relief.
Final Note From Dr. Rajarshi Mitra
I hope these tips help explain how to shrink hemorrhoids quickly using conservative home treatments and minimally invasive procedures.
Many options exist to provide relatively fast relief! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Dr. Rajarshi Mitra is a patient-centered, highly-rated Specialist Laparoscopic Surgeon & Proctologist in Abu Dhabi, offering Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery, Minimally Invasive Proctology & Lasers in Proctology. He is MBBS; MS (Surgery); FIAGES; FICS (USA); Dip. Lap (France); and Dip. Hernia (APHS) with 18 years of extensive experience in Laparoscopic Surgery, Minimally Invasive Proctology and Fellowship training in Colorectal and Bariatric Surgery.