Hemorrhoid Grading System

If you’re told that you have Grade 1 or Grade 2 hemorrhoids, they may go away on their own, and you can usually get relief with over-the-counter medications. With time, though, early stage hemorrhoids can turn into Grade 3 or Grade 4. Then you may need to undergo a procedure to get rid of the protruding veins in your rectum. At that point, you will have experienced significant pain and suffering. To avoid all that, call Dr. Sergei Sobolevsky at the Downtown Vein & Vascular Center in Brooklyn at the earliest signs of hemorrhoids.

Why Is a Hemorrhoid Grading Important?

Hemorrhoids cause discomfort, pain, bleeding and anemia. They’re also disruptive to your lifestyle. Grading hemorrhoids is important to determine the most appropriate treatment approach so your doctor can create a tailored treatment plan. Without a grading system, you may get the wrong treatment.

Dr. Sergei Sobolevsky of the Downtown Vein & Vascular Center is a leading hemorrhoids specialist. His expertise includes treating vein and artery conditions like hemorrhoids. With thousands of successful treatments, he has an effective treatment plan for hemorrhoids of every severity.

What Are the Various Kinds of Hemorrhoids?

Internal hemorrhoids develop within the anus or rectum, and they’re usually not visible externally. Less serious internal hemorrhoids appear as bumps inside, while more severe ones can form a long protrusion.

External hemorrhoids occur under the skin around the anus and are visible from the outside. They appear as swelling around the anus, but they also itch. Prolapsed hemorrhoids are internal hemorrhoids that swell and protrude out of the anus, while thrombosed hemorrhoids are external or internal hemorrhoids with blood clots.

How Are Hemorrhoids Graded?

Hemorrhoids are graded based on the extent of prolapse and their severity. Grading ensures personalized care, as patients with different grades of hemorrhoids receive specific treatment recommendations. By addressing hemorrhoids at an appropriate stage, your doctor quickly alleviates your symptoms and discomfort.

The hemorrhoid grading system is objective, determined by a physical examination. Other criteria include how you explain the symptoms and feelings from the hemorrhoids and how long they’ve lasted.

The hemorrhoid grading system involves four stages, all of which may be painful or uncomfortable:

• Grade 1. Protruding into the anal canal, but not outside the anus
• Grade 2. Sticking out through the anus when you push hard but return spontaneously
• Grade 3. Pushing through the anus when you strain and need manual repositioning
• Grade 4. Staying protruded outside of the anus

If you’re suffering from hemorrhoids of any stage, contact Dr. Sobolevsky at the Downtown Vein & Vascular Center. The earlier you start treatment, the sooner you can enjoy pain-free and symptom-free days.