Bay Area Hemorrhoids

Tobin Schneider, M.D.

Let's get you back to enjoying life again

Appointments available, please call
(650) 342-1414

It may begin with an itch. Or a sudden pain. There may be a small amount of blood. You realize something is wrong “down there.” You may have hemorrhoids.

By age 50, about half of all adults have had symptoms that indicate the existence of hemorrhoids—swollen, inflamed veins in the rectum. Hemorrhoids, sometimes called piles, may be hereditary or caused by certain dietary or lifestyle habits; they also are a frequent consequence of the strain of childbirth in women much younger than 50. They can range from mildly uncomfortable to intensely painful. But they aren’t a subject many people feel comfortable bringing up among friends, hoping for advice.

The good news is, they are easily treatable.

Relief begins with consulting a compassionate, knowledgeable physician who is experienced in the treatment and prevention of hemorrhoids. In many cases, readily available medications and procedures can bring fast relief; in some cases, simply learning new self-care techniques and lifestyle habits is all you’ll need to both relieve your current situation and prevent future recurrences.

For more than three decades, Dr. Tobin Schneider has been helping patients resolve their hemorrhoid issues using the gentlest and least invasive approach possible.

Dr. Schneider combines both expertise and a “patient-first” approach to providing effective care that is right for you. What does patient-first mean? Dr. Schneider understands that hemorrhoids and self-care can be sensitive subjects. He will listen to you, and he will respect your unique situation. He will spend the time it takes to understand your diagnosis and your concerns. You’ll receive straightforward explanations of your diagnosis and your options. To schedule an appointment please call: (650) 342-1414

What makes Dr. Schneider's approach special?

Experience

As in most aspects of medicine, it’s important to find a physician familiar with cases like yours. Dr. Schneider has treated thousands of hemorrhoid patients in his career.

Before founding his independent practice in 1988, Dr. Schneider graduated from Harvard Medical School, and was the Chief Resident in Surgery at Stanford University Hospital. He is board certified by the American Board of Surgery.

In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Schneider has had a longstanding interest in making sure his community has access to the finest possible care. He was elected the Director of the Peninsula Healthcare District in 2000.

Perspective and personal service

New patients are often pleasantly surprised to learn that their time will be spent directly with Dr. Schneider. Aside from office staff, Dr. Schneider does not use a nurse or physician’s assistant to evaluate or treat patients. You will not experience “assembly line” medicine. Patients get his full attention, and his communication is direct.

Dr. Schneider is a people person. In an age when many patients feel like they have simply become data on a computer monitor, Dr. Schneider believes it is important to look patients in the eye and get to know them. When a medical problem has a lifestyle component, a person’s daily activities, diet, exercise routines, and other personal habits matter. Dr. Schneider wants to help you return you to an active, comfortable state of health as quickly as possible.

During your hemorrhoid treatment, Dr. Schneider pledges the following:

1. He will listen to you. He will be patient and not rush you.

2. He will help you feel comfortable asking any questions you might have. It is important that you understand what is happening and what your options are.

3. He will allow you to make choices. When there is a decision to be made, Dr. Schneider will clearly present you with options, benefits, and drawbacks. He will help you decide what method of treatment you feel most comfortable with, taking into account the many factors that make people unique individuals, from dietary preferences and lifestyle, to family history and previous treatments.

4. It is essential that you trust your doctor. Dr. Schneider believes trust is earned through communication and genuine human care.

Hemorrhoid Treatment

Your treatment will depend on what type of condition you have.

External Hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids often take the form of small lumps around the anus. They may be painful, and they may itch and/or bleed.

Sometimes a clot may form in the hemorrhoid, causing blood to build up, accompanied by severe pain, swelling, and inflammation.

Internal Hemorrhoids

You usually can’t feel or see internal hemorrhoids. You may notice small amounts of bright red blood in the toilet bowel or on toilet tissue. You may also feel constipated, or notice a subtle fullness in your rectum.

Straining can push an internal hemorrhoid through the anal opening and cause a constant, dull ache.

Other Rectal Conditions

Other rectal conditions can be mistaken for hemorrhoids such as fissures, fistulas, and perirectal abscesses. All cause pain and or bleeding.

Colorectal cancer may also cause bleeding, with or without pain. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should be evaluated by a doctor.

Review Treatment Options

Hemorrhoid Treatment Options:

Hemorrhoid treatment is usually straightforward and can be accomplished on your own with lifestyle and diet changes. Sometimes, you may be required to take medications or have surgical procedures performed in the course of your hemorrhoid treatment.

Non-surgical approaches

In mild cases, hemorrhoid treatment may simply involve over-the-counter treatments such as Preparation H or other creams and daily warm baths, particularly for mild hemorrhoids. However, it is important to visit a doctor that specializes in hemorrhoid treatments even if you think that your symptoms are mild. There are other, more serious, conditions that can be mistaken for mild hemorrhoids if you don’t visit a doctor. Click here to learn about colorectal cancer screening.

Surgical options

When minor hemorrhoid treatment techniques won’t suffice, there are a number of other procedures available, most of which are not painful, and offer excellent probability of relief.

Simple incision

When a clot has formed in external hemorrhoids, Dr. Schneider may make a simple incision, relieving the pressure quickly.

Tie-off

In this simple, virtually painless method (called rubber band ligation), Dr. Schneider ties one or two small rubber bands around the base of your internal hemorrhoid, which cuts off its circulation. Within 7 to 10 days, the hemorrhoid painlessly falls off. This hemorrhoid treatment can be performed during an office visit.

Hemorrhoidectomy

If you have a very large hemorrhoid, or if other procedures haven't been successful, Dr. Schneider can remove the hemorrhoid in a procedure called hemorrhoidectomy. Most often this is done in-office under a local anesthesia. Some surgery may require an outpatient visit to the hospital, after which you will be given pain medication for use during healing.

Other rectal treatments

Most fissures, fistulas, and perirectal abscesses can be treated in the office under local anesthesia. Some do require outpatient hospital surgery.

To schedule an appointment please call: (650) 342-1414

Frequently Asked Questions

Did you know…

Most people develop hemorrhoids over the course of their lifetimes.
Many people suffer unnecessarily for quite a while before seeking hemorrhoid treatment.
Hemorrhoid treatment has made many advances in recent years, and most treatment methods are effective and involve very little pain.

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are varicose veins of the rectum. These veins become swollen, and sometimes cause pain, itching, and bleeding. They can occur inside or outside the anus.

What are external hemorrhoids?

External hemorrhoids occur outside the anus and are usually visible. When swelling takes place, they can become painful and may itch. Bleeding occurs if the hemorrhoid ruptures due to a blood clot. External hemorrhoids may feel like a hard lump covered by a sensitive membrane or may feel like extra tissue at the anus.

What are internal hemorrhoids?

Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum, and often cause bleeding. They usually do not cause pain, unless pushed outside of the anus during a bowel movement.

What causes hemorrhoids?

The exact cause of hemorrhoids is unknown. There are a number of factors that are known to contribute to the likeliness of hemorrhoids:

Aging
Chronic constipation or diarrhea
Pregnancy
Heredity
Faulty bowel function due to overuse of laxatives or enemas; straining during bowel movements
Spending long periods of time (e.g., reading) on the toilet

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?

You may have hemorrhoids if you notice any of the following symptoms:

Bleeding during bowel movements
Protrusion during bowel movements
itching in the anal area
Pain
Sensitive lump(s)

People may mistake signs of colorectal cancer for hemorrhoids. You should see your doctor right away if you notice any signs.

For more information, see our Hemorrhoid Treatment section.

Do hemorrhoids cause cancer?

There is no established relationship between hemorrhoids and cancer. However, people often mistake signs of colorectal cancer for hemorrhoids. You should see your doctor right away if you notice any signs. Do not try to self-medicate without seeing your doctor. Time is important when dealing with cancer detection.

What hemorrhoid treatment methods are available?

You should always see your doctor to figure out what treatment is best for you, but mild hemorrhoid treatment often only includes simple diet and lifestyle changes.

If your doctor decides that you’ll need more proactive hemorrhoid treatment, there are a variety of procedures that are available. Click here to learn more about the hemorrhoid treatment that may be right for you.

To schedule an appointment please call:

(650) 342-1414

Office Hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:00 am to 5:00pm.

101 South San Mateo Drive #104

San Mateo, CA 94401