Does a Thrombosed Hemorrhoid Go Away By Itself?

The anal pain is unbearable, and sitting is impossible because it feels like you have a sharp pebble stuck in your pants. If this sounds like you, you may have a thrombosed hemorrhoid. 

Given the location and nature of your situation, you may want to know: Does a thrombosed hemorrhoid go away by itself?

At Midwest Hemorrhoid Treatment Center in Town and Country, Missouri, our hemorrhoid expert, Dr. Betsy Clemens, knows how you’d rather suffer with the discomfort than get it checked out. 

Your thrombosed hemorrhoid may go away by itself, but knowing more about the hemorrhoid complication and what to expect may help you decide whether the suffering is worth it.

That pebble in your pants

Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins in the anus (external hemorrhoid) and lower rectum (internal hemorrhoid). Hemorrhoids are common and don’t always cause noticeable symptoms. 

A thrombosed hemorrhoid occurs when a blood clot forms in an external hemorrhoid. It may appear as a red or bluish bump that feels like a hard pebble on the outer anus. You may also see redness and swelling in the area.

You can also expect pain with a thrombosed hemorrhoid, which is usually severe, especially during the first day or two. Sitting, walking, and going to the bathroom may worsen your pain. 

Thrombosed hemorrhoids also make sitting uncomfortable because it feels like you have a pebble in your pants. 

Duration of thrombosed hemorrhoids

Thrombosed hemorrhoids can go away on their own within a couple of weeks. Though the pain is unbearable, it subsides within 48 hours as the body reabsorbs the blood clot.

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication and hemorrhoid cream may ease the discomfort. For pain management, you can also soak your bottom in warm water (sitz bath) for 15 minutes daily.

Adding more fiber and fluids to your diet may help soften bowel movements. 

When to get medical care 

Thrombosed hemorrhoid goes away by itself in most cases. But when should you get medical care?

We recommend scheduling an appointment with us if you have blood in stool. Though bleeding is a common symptom of hemorrhoids, it’s not one to ignore. 

Rectal bleeding is also a sign of colon cancer. Knowing what’s causing the bleeding ensures you get the best possible treatment.

You should also get medical care if you want to avoid the excruciating pain that comes with thrombosed hemorrhoids. Depending on the size and severity of your anorectal condition, we can perform an in-office external thrombectomy to remove the blood clot.

This procedure performs best when done within the first three days of having the painful hemorrhoid. If you don’t need a thrombectomy, we provide personalized instructions on managing symptoms at home.

Will your thrombosed hemorrhoid go away by itself? Probably, but there’s no need to suffer. If you want relief from your anal pain, give us a call at 314-669-2758 and schedule a consultation with Dr. Clemens.