Hemorrhoids, fissures and fistulas are conditions that affect the anal region and can cause discomfort, pain and other symptoms. Hemorrhoids are dilated veins in the anus or rectum, which can appear due to bowel movement, constipation or pregnancy, causing pain, itching and bleeding.

An anal fissure is a small wound or cut in the lining of the anus, generally caused by the passage of hard feces, and is quite painful, especially during bowel movements. In turn, an anal fistula is a type of abnormal canal that forms between the inside of the anus and the surrounding skin, generally as a result of infections or abscesses, which can cause secretion, inflammation and persistent pain.

Hemorrhoids are among the most common conditions affecting the Brazilian population, although they are still taboo. Data from the Brazilian Society of Coloproctology (SBCP) indicate that around 50% of adults may experience symptoms throughout their lives. Even so, fear and misinformation cause many patients to postpone seeking medical help, which can worsen the condition.

According to the study “Hemorrhoidal disease: epidemiological and diagnostic aspects of 9,289 patients with hemorrhoidal disease”, published in the Virtual Health Library (VHL), hemorrhoids are, in fact, one of the most common conditions in coloproctological practice. They were diagnosed as the main complaint in 27.3% of cases (9,289 patients out of a total of 34,000).

Below, check out some fundamental points about the conditions and their treatments.

1. Not all cases need surgery

Many patients automatically associate the diagnosis from hemorrhoids to the need for surgery, which is not always true. In the early stages, simple changes to your routine can bring significant relief from symptoms and prevent disease progression.

“Not all patients need surgical intervention. In many cases, changes in diet, increased fiber intake and adequate hydration already bring significant improvement. Medical evaluation is essential to define the best approach for each situation”, advises coloproctologist Paula A. Conceição.

2. Pain can indicate what the problem is

Observing how and when the pain appears can help differentiate the hemorrhoid from the fissure. Each disease has specific characteristics that help in diagnosis, although confirmation must always be done through medical evaluation.

“A fissure is an injury, as if it were a cut in the anal region. The main symptom is intense pain when evacuating, often described as a tearing sensation. Hemorrhoids tend to cause more discomfort and bleeding. These differences help guide the diagnosis”, explains coloproctologist Dr. Íthalo Medeiros.

3. Recovery is faster today

The time taken away from activities to treat conditions has decreased considerably, which helps more people seek treatment without fear of long recovery periods. “With modern techniques, many patients are able to resume their activities in a few days. This represents a major advance, especially for those who have an intense routine and cannot be away for long periods”, says Paula A. Conceição.

4. Life habits make all the difference

Even with effective treatments, lifestyle continues to be a determining factor in both the emergence and recurrence of hemorrhoids, fissures and fistulas. “Intestinal health is directly linked to these conditions. Maintaining a high fiber dietdrinking plenty of water and avoiding straining when evacuating are simple measures that make a big difference in preventing and controlling symptoms”, reinforces Dr. Íthalo Medeiros.

5. Early diagnosis prevents complications

Embarrassment is still one of the main reasons that lead patients to postpone going to the doctor. However, the sooner the problem is identified, the greater the chances of a simple and effective treatment. “Many patients arrive at the office at more advanced stages due to fear or misinformation. The sooner the diagnosis is made, the simpler the treatment tends to be and the better the results”, concludes Paula A. Conceição.

By Sarah Monteiro