What this experience covers
This experience covers what sclerotherapy (injection treatment) for hemorrhoids involves — from the procedure itself through the recovery and results. It draws from many anonymised accounts.
Sclerotherapy is one of the office-based treatments for internal hemorrhoids. A sclerosing agent is injected into the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink over the following weeks. It is less invasive than banding or surgery and is typically used for smaller, bleeding hemorrhoids that have not responded to conservative care.
The pattern
The procedure
People consistently describe sclerotherapy as quick and tolerable:
- Done in an outpatient clinic — no anaesthesia typically needed
- A proctoscope is inserted to visualise the hemorrhoids
- The injection is given into the base of the hemorrhoid — most people describe a brief ache or pressure rather than sharp pain
- The entire procedure takes a few minutes
- You go home immediately afterwards
Recovery
- Mild discomfort for a day or two — described as a dull ache or heaviness
- Some people notice a small amount of bleeding after the procedure
- Normal activities typically resumed the same day or the next day
- Results develop over one to three weeks as the hemorrhoid shrinks
The results
- Bleeding often improves significantly or resolves
- Some people need more than one treatment session
- The hemorrhoid tissue gradually shrinks
- Recurrence is possible — sclerotherapy treats the symptom but does not address the underlying cause
What people wish they had known
- That the procedure itself is much less daunting than expected
- That it works best for smaller, bleeding internal hemorrhoids rather than large prolapsing ones
- That maintaining stool management after the procedure is important for preventing recurrence
- That multiple sessions may be needed for the best result
If you are considering sclerotherapy and want to talk through your options, our chat is here.
When to contact your doctor
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Heavy bleeding after the procedure
- Severe pain that is not settling
- Fever or signs of infection
- Symptoms that return or worsen after treatment