When to See a Hemorrhoid Specialist in Melbourne
Haemorrhoid symptoms can be uncomfortable, worrying and sometimes embarrassing to talk about. Many people in Melbourne experience bleeding, pain, itching or a lump around the anus and wonder whether it is “just haemorrhoids” or something that needs medical attention.
The good news is that haemorrhoids are common and often manageable. The key is knowing when simple measures are reasonable, and when it is safer to see a doctor or haemorrhoid specialist for a proper assessment.
What are haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in or around the anus and lower rectum. They can be internal, which means they sit inside the rectum, or external, which means they develop under the skin around the anus.
They may occur after straining on the toilet, constipation, diarrhoea, pregnancy, heavy lifting or long periods of sitting. Some people are more prone to them due to ageing, bowel habits or family tendency.
Common symptoms include:
Bright red bleeding after opening the bowels
Pain or discomfort, especially when sitting
Itching or irritation around the anus
Swelling near the anus
A lump that may be tender or may come and go
Mucus or a feeling of incomplete emptying
When mild symptoms may be managed at home
Mild haemorrhoid symptoms may settle with simple measures, especially if they are short-lived and not severe.
Helpful steps can include:
Increasing fibre through vegetables, fruit, legumes and wholegrains
Drinking enough water
Avoiding straining and long periods on the toilet
Using warm baths or sitz baths for comfort
Staying active
Using pharmacy treatments for short-term symptom relief, if suitable
These measures aim to keep bowel motions soft and reduce irritation. If symptoms improve quickly and do not return, urgent specialist care may not be needed.
Still, self-care has limits. Persistent bleeding, worsening pain or recurrent symptoms should not be ignored.
5 Signs You Should See a Specialist
Consider booking a medical assessment if you notice any of the following:
Rectal bleeding
Bleeding may be from haemorrhoids, but it can also come from other bowel or anal conditions.
Symptoms lasting more than a few days or recurring often
Repeated flare-ups may suggest haemorrhoids need targeted treatment.
A painful or enlarging lump
A tender lump may be a thrombosed haemorrhoid or another condition requiring review.
Severe pain, swelling or discharge
These symptoms may point to inflammation, infection or another anal condition.
Changes in bowel habits
New constipation, diarrhoea, narrowing of stools or unexplained weight loss should be assessed.
Why rectal bleeding should not be assumed to be haemorrhoids
Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the bowl is a common haemorrhoid symptom. Even so, rectal bleeding should be checked, especially if it is new, persistent or unexplained.
Other causes can include anal fissures, inflammation, polyps, bowel conditions or, less commonly, bowel cancer. A proper assessment helps identify the cause and avoids delays in treating something more serious.
Seeing a hemorrhoid specialist in Melbourne can provide clarity, particularly if symptoms keep returning or do not match a simple haemorrhoid flare.
What happens during a specialist consultation?
A consultation with Dr. Zeev Duieb is focused on understanding your symptoms, assessing the likely cause and discussing suitable treatment options.
You can expect questions about:
Bleeding, pain, itching, swelling or lumps
Bowel habits and constipation
How long symptoms have been present
Previous haemorrhoid treatments
Medical history, medications and family history
A physical examination may be recommended. This is usually brief and performed with respect for privacy and comfort. Depending on symptoms, examination may include inspection of the anal area, a digital rectal examination or a small instrument called an anoscope or proctoscope to view the anal canal.
If bleeding or bowel changes need further assessment, Dr. Duieb may discuss additional investigations, such as colonoscopy, based on your age, symptoms and risk factors.
How haemorrhoids are diagnosed
Haemorrhoids are diagnosed through a combination of your symptom history and examination findings. The aim is not only to confirm haemorrhoids, but also to rule out other causes of similar symptoms.
Diagnosis may identify whether haemorrhoids are internal, external or both. Internal haemorrhoids may also be graded depending on whether they remain inside, prolapse during bowel motions or stay outside.
This information helps guide treatment.
Treatment options for haemorrhoids
Treatment depends on the type and severity of haemorrhoids, the symptoms causing concern and how symptoms affect daily life.
Conservative care
For mild symptoms, treatment may focus on bowel habit changes, fibre, fluids, avoiding straining and short-term symptom relief.
Office-based procedures
Some internal haemorrhoids can be treated with minimally invasive procedures. These may include rubber band ligation or other techniques that reduce blood flow to the haemorrhoid so it shrinks over time.
These options are not suitable for everyone, which is why assessment matters.
Surgical treatment
Surgery may be considered when haemorrhoids are large, recurrent, prolapsing, very painful or not responding to other treatments. It may also be discussed when symptoms significantly affect quality of life.
Dr. Duieb can explain the likely benefits, risks, recovery time and alternatives so you can make an informed decision.
What Melbourne patients can expect with Dr. Zeev Duieb
Many people delay seeking help because they feel embarrassed. Haemorrhoid symptoms are common, and specialist assessment is a routine part of colorectal care.
A consultation with Dr. Zeev Duieb is designed to be clear, respectful and practical. The focus is on finding the cause of your symptoms, explaining your options in plain language and recommending a plan suited to your needs.
FAQs
Do haemorrhoids go away on their own?
Mild haemorrhoids may improve with fibre, fluids and reduced straining. Symptoms that persist, worsen or keep returning should be assessed.
Is bleeding always caused by haemorrhoids?
No. Haemorrhoids are common, but rectal bleeding can have other causes. New or ongoing bleeding should be checked by a doctor.
Will the examination be painful?
Most examinations are brief. Some people feel pressure or mild discomfort. Tell the doctor if you are in pain, as the assessment can be adjusted.
When is surgery needed?
Surgery may be considered for large, prolapsing, recurrent or severe haemorrhoids, or when other treatments have not provided enough relief.
Can I still book if I am unsure it is haemorrhoids?
Yes. A specialist consultation can help confirm the cause of symptoms and guide the next step.
Book a consultation in Melbourne
If haemorrhoid symptoms are causing discomfort, worry or repeated flare-ups, you do not need to manage them alone. Melbourne patients can book a consultation with Dr. Zeev Duieb for a careful assessment and clear advice about treatment options.
This article provides general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, dizziness, fever or sudden worsening symptoms, seek urgent medical care.
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