What Doctor Treats Hemorrhoids?

Several types of healthcare providers can diagnose and treat hemorrhoids, depending on the severity of symptoms. Many patients initially discuss hemorrhoid symptoms with a primary care physician, but persistent or complex cases are often managed by a colorectal surgeon, who specializes in diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus.

Learn more about the condition here:

• Hemorrhoids

Choosing the right specialist depends on the severity of symptoms and the treatments required.

Best Doctor for Hemorrhoids

The type of doctor you see for hemorrhoids often depends on symptom severity.

For mild hemorrhoids, treatment by a primary care physician may be sufficient. However, persistent or severe symptoms are most commonly treated by a colorectal surgeon.

Primary Care Physicians

A primary care doctor is often the first healthcare provider patients consult for hemorrhoid symptoms such as rectal bleeding, itching, or discomfort.

Primary care physicians can:

• Evaluate symptoms
• Perform an initial physical examination
• Recommend lifestyle changes
• Prescribe medications or topical treatments
• Refer patients to a specialist if symptoms persist

For mild hemorrhoids, treatment by a primary care physician may be sufficient.

Gastroenterologists

A gastroenterologist specializes in disorders of the digestive system.

Gastroenterologists may evaluate hemorrhoids when symptoms include:

• Rectal bleeding
• Changes in bowel habits
• Suspected digestive disorders
• Need for colonoscopy

They often help rule out other gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, colon polyps, or colorectal cancer.

Colorectal Surgeons

A colorectal surgeon (also called a colon and rectal surgeon or proctologist) is the specialist most frequently involved in treating hemorrhoids that require procedural or surgical care.

Colorectal surgeons diagnose and treat conditions affecting the anus, rectum, and colon, including:

• Hemorrhoids
• Anal fissures
• Anal fistulas
• Rectal prolapse
• Colorectal cancer

They perform advanced treatments such as:

• Rubber Band Ligation
• Infrared Coagulation
• Sclerotherapy
• Hemorrhoidectomy
• Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy

They also treat complications such as:

• Thrombosed Hemorrhoid

When Should You See a Specialist?

You may be referred to a colorectal surgeon if you have:

• Persistent hemorrhoid symptoms
• Significant bleeding
• Prolapsed hemorrhoids
• Severe pain or swelling
• A lump near the anus that does not improve
• Symptoms that do not respond to conservative treatment

Specialist evaluation helps confirm the diagnosis and determine the most effective treatment.

How Hemorrhoids Are Diagnosed

Doctors usually diagnose hemorrhoids with a focused anorectal examination.

Evaluation may include:

Visual examination

External hemorrhoids can often be seen around the anus.

Digital rectal examination

The doctor gently inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for abnormalities.

Anoscopy

A small instrument may be used to examine the anal canal and lower rectum.

Colonoscopy

If symptoms suggest another condition, a colonoscopy may be recommended to evaluate the colon.

Why Medical Evaluation Is Important

Although hemorrhoids are common, symptoms such as rectal bleeding can also occur with other conditions, including:

• Anal fissures
• Colon polyps
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Colorectal cancer

For this reason, persistent or unexplained symptoms should always be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional.

Related Hemorrhoid Questions

• What Are Hemorrhoids?
• How to Tell If You Have Hemorrhoids
• What Do Hemorrhoids Feel Like?
• How to Treat Hemorrhoids
• Do Hemorrhoids Go Away?

Learn More About Hemorrhoids

You may also explore these guides:

• Hemorrhoids Overview
• Hemorrhoids Symptoms
• Hemorrhoids Procedures
• Hemorrhoids FAQ
• Hemorrhoids Images & Diagrams