How long do hemorrhoids last? It depends in part on their severity. The more severe the hemorrhoids are, the more invasive the treatment might be and the longer it may take for the hemorrhoids to heal.

Hemorrhoids, or piles, are blood veins in your lower rectum and anus that have become irritated and inflamed. This can lead to bleeding, itching, pain and swelling in those areas. Many women who are pregnant get hemorrhoids. About half of all adults have experienced hemorrhoids in some form by the time that they become 50 years old.

A minor case of hemorrhoids may only last a few days and can be treated by adding more fiber to the diet, drinking more fluids and taking sitz baths. In addition, your doctor may suggest using cold packs on the area or using over the counter medications. Never use an over the counter hemorrhoid treatment for more than a week without consulting your doctor.

If you have more than a minor problem with your hemorrhoids, your physician may recommend a procedure that can be done in the doctor’s office or on an outpatient basis. This procedure might be injecting a chemical into the hemorrhoids, causing the blood in the hemorrhoids to coagulate; using a laser or infrared light or rubber band ligation. Rubber band ligation, the most effective treatment, involves rubber-banding off the hemorrhoid. It takes about seven to ten days for the hemorrhoid to die and fall off.

Severe hemorrhoids may require surgery. It takes about three weeks to recover from a hemorrhoidectomy, where a surgeon removes the hemorrhoids. If your doctor performs a stapled hemorrhoidectomy, you will recover more quickly. As a result of a stapled hemorrhoidectomy, the blood stops flowing to the hemorrhoid, effectively killing it.