When to Seek Medical Care

When to call the doctor

• If you develop bleeding between bowel movements or have a moderate amount of bleeding from hemorrhoids, you should consult your doctor.

• If you are over age 40 years or have a family history of colon cancer, you should see your doctor for rectal bleeding.

• If you have prolapsed hemorrhoids that will not go back through the anus, or you have significant pain from your hemorrhoids, you should consult your doctor.

• Other causes of rectal bleeding exist that are much more serious than hemorrhoids. Inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancers can have rectal bleeding. Make your doctor aware of your bleeding. If you are older than 40 years, have a family history of colorectal cancer, prolonged bleeding, or are experiencing other symptoms, you should not delay in seeing a doctor.

Most of the time hemorrhoids can be managed by your doctor. A few situations may require you to go to the emergency department.

• If you have significant pain, bleeding, or a prolapsed hemorrhoid and are unable to contact your doctor, then you should be evaluated in the hospital.

• If you have a large amount of bleeding from your rectum, become weak, or experience dizziness, you should go to your hospital's emergency department.

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