Let’s be honest — no one really wants to talk about hemorrhoids. They can be uncomfortable (in more ways than one), embarrassing, and disruptive to daily life. But here’s the truth: hemorrhoids are one of the most common conditions we treat at Paragon Colorectal Care, and there is no reason to suffer in silence.
That’s why we created Between2Cheeks, a new video series from our colorectal specialists, Dr. Benny Chong and Dr. Miles Tommeraasen at Paragon Surgical Specialists in Concord, NC. Our mission is simple: to make talking about colorectal health less intimidating, more approachable, and….a little cheeky.
In our very first episode, we tackle the topic many people avoid — hemorrhoids — and explain what they are, why they occur, and what you can do about them.
What Are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus that can cause pain, itching, or bleeding. They are extremely common, affecting millions of people every year. Hemorrhoids can be internal (inside the rectum) or external (under the skin around the anus).
While they’re not usually dangerous, they can cause significant discomfort — and in some cases, may need medical treatment. In Episode 1 of Between2Cheeks, our surgeons explain how hemorrhoids form, what triggers flare-ups, and the difference between mild cases you can manage at home and more serious cases that require professional care.
Common Causes & Symptoms
Many factors can lead to hemorrhoids, including:
- Straining during bowel movements
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea
- Pregnancy (increased pressure in the pelvic area)
- Sitting for long periods
- A low-fiber diet
Symptoms can range from mild itching to pain, swelling, and rectal bleeding. One key takeaway from our video: if you’re experiencing persistent symptoms, don’t ignore them. Rectal bleeding should always be checked by a doctor to rule out other conditions.
Treatment Options
The good news is that most hemorrhoids can be managed with simple lifestyle changes. In Episode 1, we talk about at-home treatments such as:
- Eating more fiber and drinking plenty of water
- Using over-the-counter creams or sitz baths
- Avoiding long periods of sitting
But we also discuss when it’s time to seek professional help. At Paragon Colorectal Care, we offer a variety of in-office and surgical treatments for hemorrhoids, including:
- Rubber band ligation
- Minimally invasive procedures
- Hemorrhoidectomy (for severe cases)
Knowing when to make an appointment can save you a lot of pain and help you get back to normal quickly.
Why We’re Talking About It
We know conversations about colon and rectal health can feel awkward, but avoiding them only makes problems worse. Our goal with Between2Cheeks is to create a safe, approachable space where patients can learn that there’s no need to be embarrassed about what is going on with their “backside”.
By using humor and real, relatable explanations, we hope to break down barriers and encourage more people to take charge of their health.
Watch Our First Episode
If you’ve ever wondered about hemorrhoids — or struggled with them yourself — Episode 1 of Between2Cheeks is a must-watch. You’ll get expert advice from our colorectal surgeons, learn practical tips on how to feel better, and know when it’s time to see a specialist.
Between2Cheeks on YouTube
And don’t forget to subscribe to our channel so you never miss an episode. We have more topics coming soon — including colonoscopy myths, diverticulitis, and colorectal surgery options — all explained in a way that’s easy to understand.
At Paragon Surgical Specialists, we believe education is integral to our patient care. If you’re experiencing hemorrhoid symptoms or other colorectal issues, our team is here to help with compassionate, expert care.
Call us to schedule a consultation, 704-786-1108.
View the original post on the Paragon Surgical Specialists website.
