I have exterior hemorrhoids. I don't know how I got them, but I've had them for about two months. They don't hurt at all. I'd like to know how best to get rid of them using healthful, non-drug remedies. I have two to four bowel movements a day and am not constipated. Will they go away without doing anything if I'm not constipated?

Jane

External hemorrhoids are masses of veins found underneath the skin at the anus. These are different than internal hemorrhoids, which are veins found beneath the lining of the rectum, just above the anus. Both types of hemorrhoids are normally present from birth, but usually are not noticed in younger people because of their small size.

Hemorrhoids become problematic when they enlarge later in life. Although doctors used to think that chronic constipation led to enlargement of hemorrhoids, recent studies do not support this idea. So, it remains unclear exactly why hemorrhoids enlarge, as well as why this occurs more often in certain people, such as pregnant women. Some now believe that high pressures in the rectum may be to blame.

Treatment for hemorrhoids is recommended when they cause symptoms, such as pain or bleeding. Most therapy focuses on lowering the pressure in the rectum by softening the stool. This is why laxatives are recommended. Other treatments include topical medications, such as creams, to reduce inflammation.

If you truly have no symptoms from your hemorrhoids and are not constipated, I would not recommend therapy. Although hemorrhoids will not go away on their own, there is no therapy short of surgical removal to get rid of them.

Also, you should have a doctor has examine your hemorrhoids to make sure they are indeed hemorrhoids. Other harmless growths, such as skin tags, can mimic hemorrhoids.