Hemorrhoids – symptoms, causes and modern treatment
Hemorrhoids are among the most common conditions of the rectum – roughly every second person deals with them at some point in life. Yet they can be treated quickly, gently and discreetly. At Proctocare we treat them with modern methods, including the LHP® laser surgery, which we were the first in Slovakia to introduce.
- We are the first in Slovakia to operate on hemorrhoids with the LHP® laser method
- We see acute patients within 24 hours – including weekends and holidays
- MUDr. Karim Masalkhi – more than 20 years of experience, over 2000 successfully operated patients
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II) | Žilina – Alexandra Rudnaya 100
What hemorrhoids are
Hemorrhoids are enlarged vascular cushions in the area of the anus and rectum. Everyone has them – they are a natural part of the anatomy and help to hold in stool. We speak of a disease only when they enlarge, become inflamed or start to bleed. We distinguish internal hemorrhoids (inside the anal canal, initially painless, typically bleeding) and external hemorrhoids (under the skin around the anus, tender to the touch).
Internal hemorrhoids are divided into four grades according to severity – the choice of treatment also depends on the grade.
Grades of internal hemorrhoids
Grade I
The hemorrhoids bleed but do not prolapse. Lifestyle changes and conservative or outpatient treatment are usually enough.
Grade II
The nodes prolapse during bowel movements but slide back on their own. The ideal candidate for gentle methods, including the LHP® laser.
Grade III
Prolapsed nodes have to be pushed back by hand. We treat them with the LHP® laser or with rubber band ligation.
Grade IV
The nodes are permanently prolapsed and cannot be pushed back. They require surgical treatment – often the LHP® laser combined with mucopexy; the doctor proposes the approach after an examination.
Symptoms of hemorrhoids
The problems often develop gradually – do not wait for them to get worse.
- Bright red blood on the stool, on the toilet paper or in the bowl
- Itching, burning and irritation around the anus
- Pain or pressure during bowel movements and when sitting for longer
- A palpable lump or node at the anus
- A feeling of moisture, mucous discharge or soiled underwear
- A feeling of incomplete emptying
Important: rectal bleeding can also have other, more serious causes. Every bleeding should therefore be assessed by a doctor – more on the page Blood in stool.
Causes and risk factors
The main cause is long-term increased pressure on the vessels in the anal area. Hemorrhoids most often develop due to:
- Chronic constipation and hard straining during bowel movements
- A sedentary job and lack of exercise
- A diet low in fiber and not drinking enough fluids
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Overweight and obesity
- Frequent heavy lifting
- Hereditary predisposition and age over 45
Diagnosis – fast, gentle and discreet
The basis is a short examination of the anus and rectum, which takes up to 15 minutes and is painless for most patients. If needed, we complement it with an anoscopy or rectoscopy – a precise instrument examination of the anal canal and rectum performed right at our outpatient clinic.
You do not need a referral. Right after the examination, MUDr. Karim Masalkhi clearly explains the diagnosis and your treatment options.
How we treat hemorrhoids
We choose the treatment according to the grade and your needs – from conservative approaches to the most modern laser.
LHP® laser surgery – the first in Slovakia
The gentlest method, with no cutting or stitches. You go home the same day.
Rubber band ligation (Barron)
A quick outpatient treatment of internal hemorrhoids with an elastic ligature, no anesthesia.
Conservative treatment
Lifestyle changes, topical treatment and venoactive drugs – suitable for early problems and as a complement to procedures.
The doctor determines which method is right for you after an examination. You will find indicative prices in the proctology price list.
When to see a doctor
Untreated hemorrhoids get worse over time – they can lead to thrombosis of a node, anemia from repeated bleeding or permanent prolapse. The sooner you come, the simpler and gentler the treatment. See a doctor if:
- you notice blood in your stool or on the paper – even just once,
- the problems last more than a week despite over-the-counter products,
- you feel sudden severe pain or a hard painful lump at the anus,
- your bowel habits have changed for more than two weeks.
Acute problems? An appointment within 24 hours
For acute patients (heavy bleeding, a painful hemorrhoid) we have appointments within 24 hours – including weekends and holidays. We also see pregnant patients, with no preparation. Call +421 948 687 667.
Frequently asked questions about hemorrhoids
Mild problems may temporarily improve with lifestyle changes, but enlarged hemorrhoids themselves do not disappear on their own. Without treatment the disease usually gets gradually worse – dealing with it early is the simplest and gentlest option.
For most patients the examination is painless, only mildly uncomfortable. It takes up to 15 minutes, and we proceed gently and with maximum discretion.
No. We are a private clinic – you book directly, with no referral and no waiting lists. We see acute cases within 24 hours.
Over-the-counter products can temporarily relieve the symptoms, but they do not address the cause. If the problems last longer than a week or keep coming back, it is time for a specialist examination.
We resolve most grade I–III hemorrhoids on an outpatient basis – with the LHP® laser or rubber band ligation. In advanced grade IV we often combine the LHP® laser with mucopexy on a day-surgery basis. The doctor always proposes the approach after an examination.
No – bleeding can also have other causes, including serious diseases of the colon. That is why every rectal bleeding should be examined by a doctor, even when it is painless.
Related topics
Anal fissure
Sharp, cutting pain and bleeding during bowel movements – the symptoms are easily confused with hemorrhoids.
Perianal thrombosis
A sudden painful lump at the anus that requires prompt treatment.
Blood in stool
When bleeding is harmless and when it is a warning sign – and what to do about it.
Who will take care of you
MUDr. Karim Masalkhi
Founder and head physician of the Proctocare clinic · surgeon – proctologist
A recognized specialist with more than 20 years of experience in minimally invasive proctology and laser surgery, with over 2000 successfully operated patients. He regularly attends training placements abroad focused on the most modern techniques of minimally invasive surgery, proctology and surgical oncology.
- Certified in the LHP® method – he was the first to bring laser surgery of hemorrhoids and anal fissures to Slovakia
- A specialist in correcting unsuccessful proctological surgeries of hemorrhoids and anal fissures
- He personally guarantees expertise, safety and a considerate approach to every patient
MUDr. Manuchekhr Burkhanov
Proctologist · office: Bratislava
He focuses on the diagnosis and outpatient treatment of proctological conditions – hemorrhoids, anal fissure and other disorders of the rectum – with a discreet and individual approach. He communicates with patients in Slovak, Russian and English.
MUDr. Matúš Kačeriak
Surgeon – proctologist · office: Žilina
At the Proctocare office in Žilina you will be cared for by MUDr. Matúš Kačeriak – a surgeon at the surgical department of the FNsP Žilina hospital. He focuses on proctological examinations, diagnosis of rectal disorders and minimally invasive proctological procedures with an emphasis on precise diagnosis and individual care.
Author and medical review: Your health is in the hands of MUDr. Karim Masalkhi – founder and head physician of the Proctocare clinic, a proctologist with more than 20 years of experience and over 2000 treated patients. · Last medical review: July 2026
Don't put up with hemorrhoids. Book an appointment today.
A discreet examination, a clear diagnosis and modern treatment with relief often after the very first session.
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
Žilina: Alexandra Rudnaya 100, 010 01 · by appointment
info@proctocare.sk
Hemorrhoids – symptoms, causes and modern treatment
Hemorrhoids are among the most common conditions of the rectum – roughly every second person deals with them at some point in life. Yet they can be treated quickly, gently and discreetly. At Proctocare we treat them with modern methods, including the LHP® laser surgery, which we were the first in Slovakia to introduce.
- We are the first in Slovakia to operate on hemorrhoids with the LHP® laser method
- We see acute patients within 24 hours – including weekends and holidays
- MUDr. Karim Masalkhi – more than 20 years of experience, over 2000 successfully operated patients
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II) | Žilina – Alexandra Rudnaya 100
What hemorrhoids are
Hemorrhoids are enlarged vascular cushions in the area of the anus and rectum. Everyone has them – they are a natural part of the anatomy and help to hold in stool. We speak of a disease only when they enlarge, become inflamed or start to bleed. We distinguish internal hemorrhoids (inside the anal canal, initially painless, typically bleeding) and external hemorrhoids (under the skin around the anus, tender to the touch).
Internal hemorrhoids are divided into four grades according to severity – the choice of treatment also depends on the grade.
Grades of internal hemorrhoids
Grade I
The hemorrhoids bleed but do not prolapse. Lifestyle changes and conservative or outpatient treatment are usually enough.
Grade II
The nodes prolapse during bowel movements but slide back on their own. The ideal candidate for gentle methods, including the LHP® laser.
Grade III
Prolapsed nodes have to be pushed back by hand. We treat them with the LHP® laser or with rubber band ligation.
Grade IV
The nodes are permanently prolapsed and cannot be pushed back. They require surgical treatment – often the LHP® laser combined with mucopexy; the doctor proposes the approach after an examination.
Symptoms of hemorrhoids
The problems often develop gradually – do not wait for them to get worse.
- Bright red blood on the stool, on the toilet paper or in the bowl
- Itching, burning and irritation around the anus
- Pain or pressure during bowel movements and when sitting for longer
- A palpable lump or node at the anus
- A feeling of moisture, mucous discharge or soiled underwear
- A feeling of incomplete emptying
Important: rectal bleeding can also have other, more serious causes. Every bleeding should therefore be assessed by a doctor – more on the page Blood in stool.
Causes and risk factors
The main cause is long-term increased pressure on the vessels in the anal area. Hemorrhoids most often develop due to:
- Chronic constipation and hard straining during bowel movements
- A sedentary job and lack of exercise
- A diet low in fiber and not drinking enough fluids
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Overweight and obesity
- Frequent heavy lifting
- Hereditary predisposition and age over 45
Diagnosis – fast, gentle and discreet
The basis is a short examination of the anus and rectum, which takes up to 15 minutes and is painless for most patients. If needed, we complement it with an anoscopy or rectoscopy – a precise instrument examination of the anal canal and rectum performed right at our outpatient clinic.
You do not need a referral. Right after the examination, MUDr. Karim Masalkhi clearly explains the diagnosis and your treatment options.
How we treat hemorrhoids
We choose the treatment according to the grade and your needs – from conservative approaches to the most modern laser.
LHP® laser surgery – the first in Slovakia
The gentlest method, with no cutting or stitches. You go home the same day.
Rubber band ligation (Barron)
A quick outpatient treatment of internal hemorrhoids with an elastic ligature, no anesthesia.
Conservative treatment
Lifestyle changes, topical treatment and venoactive drugs – suitable for early problems and as a complement to procedures.
The doctor determines which method is right for you after an examination. You will find indicative prices in the proctology price list.
When to see a doctor
Untreated hemorrhoids get worse over time – they can lead to thrombosis of a node, anemia from repeated bleeding or permanent prolapse. The sooner you come, the simpler and gentler the treatment. See a doctor if:
- you notice blood in your stool or on the paper – even just once,
- the problems last more than a week despite over-the-counter products,
- you feel sudden severe pain or a hard painful lump at the anus,
- your bowel habits have changed for more than two weeks.
Acute problems? An appointment within 24 hours
For acute patients (heavy bleeding, a painful hemorrhoid) we have appointments within 24 hours – including weekends and holidays. We also see pregnant patients, with no preparation. Call +421 948 687 667.
Frequently asked questions about hemorrhoids
Mild problems may temporarily improve with lifestyle changes, but enlarged hemorrhoids themselves do not disappear on their own. Without treatment the disease usually gets gradually worse – dealing with it early is the simplest and gentlest option.
For most patients the examination is painless, only mildly uncomfortable. It takes up to 15 minutes, and we proceed gently and with maximum discretion.
No. We are a private clinic – you book directly, with no referral and no waiting lists. We see acute cases within 24 hours.
Over-the-counter products can temporarily relieve the symptoms, but they do not address the cause. If the problems last longer than a week or keep coming back, it is time for a specialist examination.
We resolve most grade I–III hemorrhoids on an outpatient basis – with the LHP® laser or rubber band ligation. In advanced grade IV we often combine the LHP® laser with mucopexy on a day-surgery basis. The doctor always proposes the approach after an examination.
No – bleeding can also have other causes, including serious diseases of the colon. That is why every rectal bleeding should be examined by a doctor, even when it is painless.
Related topics
Anal fissure
Sharp, cutting pain and bleeding during bowel movements – the symptoms are easily confused with hemorrhoids.
Perianal thrombosis
A sudden painful lump at the anus that requires prompt treatment.
Blood in stool
When bleeding is harmless and when it is a warning sign – and what to do about it.
Who will take care of you
MUDr. Karim Masalkhi
Founder and head physician of the Proctocare clinic · surgeon – proctologist
A recognized specialist with more than 20 years of experience in minimally invasive proctology and laser surgery, with over 2000 successfully operated patients. He regularly attends training placements abroad focused on the most modern techniques of minimally invasive surgery, proctology and surgical oncology.
- Certified in the LHP® method – he was the first to bring laser surgery of hemorrhoids and anal fissures to Slovakia
- A specialist in correcting unsuccessful proctological surgeries of hemorrhoids and anal fissures
- He personally guarantees expertise, safety and a considerate approach to every patient
MUDr. Manuchekhr Burkhanov
Proctologist · office: Bratislava
He focuses on the diagnosis and outpatient treatment of proctological conditions – hemorrhoids, anal fissure and other disorders of the rectum – with a discreet and individual approach. He communicates with patients in Slovak, Russian and English.
MUDr. Matúš Kačeriak
Surgeon – proctologist · office: Žilina
At the Proctocare office in Žilina you will be cared for by MUDr. Matúš Kačeriak – a surgeon at the surgical department of the FNsP Žilina hospital. He focuses on proctological examinations, diagnosis of rectal disorders and minimally invasive proctological procedures with an emphasis on precise diagnosis and individual care.
Author and medical review: Your health is in the hands of MUDr. Karim Masalkhi – founder and head physician of the Proctocare clinic, a proctologist with more than 20 years of experience and over 2000 treated patients. · Last medical review: July 2026
Don't put up with hemorrhoids. Book an appointment today.
A discreet examination, a clear diagnosis and modern treatment with relief often after the very first session.
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
Žilina: Alexandra Rudnaya 100, 010 01 · by appointment
info@proctocare.sk
Hemorrhoids – symptoms, causes and modern treatment
Hemorrhoids are among the most common conditions of the rectum – roughly every second person deals with them at some point in life. Yet they can be treated quickly, gently and discreetly. At Proctocare we treat them with modern methods, including the LHP® laser surgery, which we were the first in Slovakia to introduce.
- We are the first in Slovakia to operate on hemorrhoids with the LHP® laser method
- We see acute patients within 24 hours – including weekends and holidays
- MUDr. Karim Masalkhi – more than 20 years of experience, over 2000 successfully operated patients
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II) | Žilina – Alexandra Rudnaya 100
What hemorrhoids are
Hemorrhoids are enlarged vascular cushions in the area of the anus and rectum. Everyone has them – they are a natural part of the anatomy and help to hold in stool. We speak of a disease only when they enlarge, become inflamed or start to bleed. We distinguish internal hemorrhoids (inside the anal canal, initially painless, typically bleeding) and external hemorrhoids (under the skin around the anus, tender to the touch).
Internal hemorrhoids are divided into four grades according to severity – the choice of treatment also depends on the grade.
Grades of internal hemorrhoids
Grade I
The hemorrhoids bleed but do not prolapse. Lifestyle changes and conservative or outpatient treatment are usually enough.
Grade II
The nodes prolapse during bowel movements but slide back on their own. The ideal candidate for gentle methods, including the LHP® laser.
Grade III
Prolapsed nodes have to be pushed back by hand. We treat them with the LHP® laser or with rubber band ligation.
Grade IV
The nodes are permanently prolapsed and cannot be pushed back. They require surgical treatment – often the LHP® laser combined with mucopexy; the doctor proposes the approach after an examination.
Symptoms of hemorrhoids
The problems often develop gradually – do not wait for them to get worse.
- Bright red blood on the stool, on the toilet paper or in the bowl
- Itching, burning and irritation around the anus
- Pain or pressure during bowel movements and when sitting for longer
- A palpable lump or node at the anus
- A feeling of moisture, mucous discharge or soiled underwear
- A feeling of incomplete emptying
Important: rectal bleeding can also have other, more serious causes. Every bleeding should therefore be assessed by a doctor – more on the page Blood in stool.
Causes and risk factors
The main cause is long-term increased pressure on the vessels in the anal area. Hemorrhoids most often develop due to:
- Chronic constipation and hard straining during bowel movements
- A sedentary job and lack of exercise
- A diet low in fiber and not drinking enough fluids
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Overweight and obesity
- Frequent heavy lifting
- Hereditary predisposition and age over 45
Diagnosis – fast, gentle and discreet
The basis is a short examination of the anus and rectum, which takes up to 15 minutes and is painless for most patients. If needed, we complement it with an anoscopy or rectoscopy – a precise instrument examination of the anal canal and rectum performed right at our outpatient clinic.
You do not need a referral. Right after the examination, MUDr. Karim Masalkhi clearly explains the diagnosis and your treatment options.
How we treat hemorrhoids
We choose the treatment according to the grade and your needs – from conservative approaches to the most modern laser.
LHP® laser surgery – the first in Slovakia
The gentlest method, with no cutting or stitches. You go home the same day.
Rubber band ligation (Barron)
A quick outpatient treatment of internal hemorrhoids with an elastic ligature, no anesthesia.
Conservative treatment
Lifestyle changes, topical treatment and venoactive drugs – suitable for early problems and as a complement to procedures.
The doctor determines which method is right for you after an examination. You will find indicative prices in the proctology price list.
When to see a doctor
Untreated hemorrhoids get worse over time – they can lead to thrombosis of a node, anemia from repeated bleeding or permanent prolapse. The sooner you come, the simpler and gentler the treatment. See a doctor if:
- you notice blood in your stool or on the paper – even just once,
- the problems last more than a week despite over-the-counter products,
- you feel sudden severe pain or a hard painful lump at the anus,
- your bowel habits have changed for more than two weeks.
Acute problems? An appointment within 24 hours
For acute patients (heavy bleeding, a painful hemorrhoid) we have appointments within 24 hours – including weekends and holidays. We also see pregnant patients, with no preparation. Call +421 948 687 667.
Frequently asked questions about hemorrhoids
Mild problems may temporarily improve with lifestyle changes, but enlarged hemorrhoids themselves do not disappear on their own. Without treatment the disease usually gets gradually worse – dealing with it early is the simplest and gentlest option.
For most patients the examination is painless, only mildly uncomfortable. It takes up to 15 minutes, and we proceed gently and with maximum discretion.
No. We are a private clinic – you book directly, with no referral and no waiting lists. We see acute cases within 24 hours.
Over-the-counter products can temporarily relieve the symptoms, but they do not address the cause. If the problems last longer than a week or keep coming back, it is time for a specialist examination.
We resolve most grade I–III hemorrhoids on an outpatient basis – with the LHP® laser or rubber band ligation. In advanced grade IV we often combine the LHP® laser with mucopexy on a day-surgery basis. The doctor always proposes the approach after an examination.
No – bleeding can also have other causes, including serious diseases of the colon. That is why every rectal bleeding should be examined by a doctor, even when it is painless.
Related topics
Anal fissure
Sharp, cutting pain and bleeding during bowel movements – the symptoms are easily confused with hemorrhoids.
Perianal thrombosis
A sudden painful lump at the anus that requires prompt treatment.
Blood in stool
When bleeding is harmless and when it is a warning sign – and what to do about it.
Who will take care of you
MUDr. Karim Masalkhi
Founder and head physician of the Proctocare clinic · surgeon – proctologist
A recognized specialist with more than 20 years of experience in minimally invasive proctology and laser surgery, with over 2000 successfully operated patients. He regularly attends training placements abroad focused on the most modern techniques of minimally invasive surgery, proctology and surgical oncology.
- Certified in the LHP® method – he was the first to bring laser surgery of hemorrhoids and anal fissures to Slovakia
- A specialist in correcting unsuccessful proctological surgeries of hemorrhoids and anal fissures
- He personally guarantees expertise, safety and a considerate approach to every patient
MUDr. Manuchekhr Burkhanov
Proctologist · office: Bratislava
He focuses on the diagnosis and outpatient treatment of proctological conditions – hemorrhoids, anal fissure and other disorders of the rectum – with a discreet and individual approach. He communicates with patients in Slovak, Russian and English.
MUDr. Matúš Kačeriak
Surgeon – proctologist · office: Žilina
At the Proctocare office in Žilina you will be cared for by MUDr. Matúš Kačeriak – a surgeon at the surgical department of the FNsP Žilina hospital. He focuses on proctological examinations, diagnosis of rectal disorders and minimally invasive proctological procedures with an emphasis on precise diagnosis and individual care.
Author and medical review: Your health is in the hands of MUDr. Karim Masalkhi – founder and head physician of the Proctocare clinic, a proctologist with more than 20 years of experience and over 2000 treated patients. · Last medical review: July 2026
Don't put up with hemorrhoids. Book an appointment today.
A discreet examination, a clear diagnosis and modern treatment with relief often after the very first session.
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
Žilina: Alexandra Rudnaya 100, 010 01 · by appointment
info@proctocare.sk