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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Male Health > Antibiotics and hemorrhoids
Posted on: 12/01/2005
Question
I was recently diagnosed with an STD (NSU), but only had itchiness in the penis during urination. Three days after taking antibiotics from the doctor, I had strong burning hemorrhoids -- can antibiotics cause hemorrhoids or is my STD more serious than my diagnosis?
Answer
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins, either just inside the anus (internal hemorrhoids) or outside (external hemorrhoids). They occur because of straining, such as weight lifting, giving birth or defecating hard stools. They are not caused by medications. Treatment is warm baths and soothing ointment for the discomfort. If they become intensely painful, then a clot may be inside the hemorrhoid and this may need to be cut open. Prevention includes avoiding prolonged sitting on the toilet (poop quickly and get off the pot) and straining exercises. Internal hemorrhoids can be banded (rubber band placed by doctor at the base to starve the blood supply, so that the hemorrhoidal tissue sloughs off).