What are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins in the lower part of the anus and rectum, similar to varicose veins. When the walls of these vessels are stretched, they become irritated.

Hemorrhoids have a number of causes, although often the cause is unknown. They may result from straining during bowel movements or from the increased pressure on these veins during pregnancy. Hemorrhoids can either be internal or external. Internal hemorrhoids develop within the anus or rectum. External hemorrhoids develop outside of the anus. Hemorrhoids are also known as piles.

Hemorrhoids are very common, with about 50 percent of adults experiencing the symptoms of hemorrhoids by age 50.

What is Venous Insufficiency? Venous insufficiency is a problem with the flow of blood from the veins of the legs back to the heart. It’s also called chronic venous insufficiency or chronic venous stasis. Veins have valves that keep the blood moving in one direction-toward the heart. In venous insufficiency, the valves in the veins of the leg don’t work right. […]

Before a baby boy is born, its testicles are located high in the belly and as it develops inside the mother, the testicles drop down into the scrotum (the sac that holds the testicles). In some cases though, the testicle may not drop down on its own and may stay high up in the abdomen […]

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin, which is the skin covering the tip of the penis. It’s fairly common in the United States and parts of Africa and the Middle East, but less common in Europe and some other countries. Some families have their sons circumcised for religious reasons, but circumcision can also […]

Commonly referred to as an Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy or EGD, it is a procedure that allows your doctor to look at your esophagus, stomach and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) and is used to diagnose and treat conditions in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The procedure is done using a long, thin, flexible […]