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Michael H Tarlowe MD Blog View all posts
How Did I Get Anal Fissures?

How Did I Get Anal Fissures?
Anal fissures are tiny cuts that form around your anus, causing significant discomfort during bowel movements and even when you’re just sitting still. Here’s why anal fissures happen and what to do if you think you have one.
Jul 1st, 2025
What a Colonoscopy Can Reveal About Your Health

What a Colonoscopy Can Reveal About Your Health
Colonoscopy plays a critical role in diagnosing colon cancer in its early stages, but it offers lots of other benefits, too. Here’s what your screening can tell you about your overall health and wellness.
Jun 1st, 2025
5 Risk Factors for Pilonidal Cysts

5 Risk Factors for Pilonidal Cysts
Pilonidal cysts can cause a lot of pain, and while anyone can develop these uncomfortable cysts, some people are more prone to them than others. Here, learn about five risk factors that make pilonidal cysts more likely.
May 1st, 2025
Why Does It Hurt to Sit Down?

Why Does It Hurt to Sit Down?
Sitting should be a pleasurable and relaxing experience, but if you’re experiencing pain, it’s definitely a sign that something’s wrong. Here, learn some common causes of pain when sitting, along with a quick review of how we can treat them.
Apr 1st, 2025
Why Did My Doctor Order a Colonoscopy?

Why Did My Doctor Order a Colonoscopy?
Most people associate colonoscopies with colorectal cancer screening, and while that’s definitely one reason to have one, there are other reasons, too. Here’s why our team might order a colonoscopy for you.
Jan 10th, 2025

Do All Abdominal Wall Hernias Require Surgery?
Abdominal wall hernias are a common medical problem, and unfortunately, they won’t go away on their own. But do hernias always require a surgical solution? We have the answer.
Dec 1st, 2024

Causes and Prevention of Anal Fissures
Anal fissures can cause a lot of discomfort — sometimes enough to make you hesitant to move your bowels. Here, learn why they happen and what you can do to prevent them from occurring in the future.
Oct 1st, 2024

Lipomas vs. Cysts: What’s the Difference?
Lipomas and cysts may appear similar when they occur in your skin, but they’re actually very different. Here’s how the two differ and why having any lump or bump evaluated is important for your health.
Aug 1st, 2024
Rectal Bleeding: Common Causes, and When to See a Doctor

Rectal Bleeding: Common Causes, and When to See a Doctor
Rectal bleeding can have a variety of causes — some benign and some serious. Here, learn about some of the most common causes of bleeding and when to schedule an appointment to prevent complications and stay healthy.
Jul 3rd, 2024
Why Diagnosing Your Anal Warts is Important

Why Diagnosing Your Anal Warts is Important
Anal warts are pretty common, yet many people are too embarrassed to talk about them — even with their doctor. Early diagnosis is important for managing warts and preventing their spread. Here’s how we can help.
Jun 1st, 2024

What Is This Pimple-Like Bump Near My Tailbone?
We’re used to pimples forming on the face — but what if one forms near your tailbone? It may not be a pimple at all. Pilonidal cysts are pimple-like lesions that form near your buttocks. Here’s why they shouldn’t be ignored.
May 2nd, 2024

Will a Hemorrhoid Go Away on Its Own?
Hemorrhoids might not seem like a big deal, but without proper care, some hemorrhoids can become serious health problems. Here’s when it’s OK to treat a hemorrhoid at home and when a medical visit is necessary.
Apr 1st, 2024

5 Ways to Lower Your Risk for Colon Cancer
Colorectal cancer is common among both women and men, causing thousands of deaths each year. The good news: There are some simple things you can do to significantly decrease your risk. Here are five steps to take starting today.
Mar 1st, 2024
8 Ways to Keep Your Anus Healthy

8 Ways to Keep Your Anus Healthy
Your anus plays an important role in your health and wellness, yet — perhaps because of embarrassment — it often gets overlooked. Here, learn some simple steps you can take to make sure your anus stays healthy.
Feb 2nd, 2024

The Link Between HIV and Anal Fissures
Anal fissures are common and uncomfortable, and if you have HIV, your risk of fissures increases. Here’s how these two medical problems are related and what we can do to relieve your discomfort.
Jan 16th, 2024
What Causes Pilonidal Cysts?

What Causes Pilonidal Cysts?
Pilonidal cysts are relatively common, and they can cause a lot of pain. The good news: treatment can help. Here’s why these cysts occur and how we can help you find relief.
Dec 2nd, 2023
When a Hemorrhoid Needs Medical Attention

When a Hemorrhoid Needs Medical Attention
Hemorrhoids are a fairly common problem, and although many resolve on their own, some hemorrhoids need medical attention to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. Here’s how to tell when your hemorrhoid needs a doctor’s care.
Nov 2nd, 2023
Tips for Improving Your Gut Health

Tips for Improving Your Gut Health
Gut health isn’t just about your gut — a healthy gut is important for overall health and wellness, too. These nine simple steps can help you maintain a healthy gut and support the rest of your body, too.
Oct 1st, 2023
Help for an Anal Fistula

Help for an Anal Fistula
Anal fistulas can sometimes be quite painful, requiring prompt medical care to avoid serious complications. Fortunately, our practice offers several treatment options to help you get the most appropriate treatment for fast relief.
Sep 1st, 2023
Start Doing This If You Want to Stop Straining on the Toilet

Start Doing This If You Want to Stop Straining on the Toilet
Straining during bowel movements isn’t just uncomfortable and inconvenient — it can be a sign of a more serious issue, or it might lead to further problems in the future. Here are seven things you can do to ease straining and improve bowel activity.
Aug 1st, 2023
Do I Need to Worry About My Lipoma?

Do I Need to Worry About My Lipoma?
Lipomas are benign, fleshy growths that can appear anywhere you have fat cells. While most lipomas don’t cause problems, there are times when it makes sense to have one removed. In this post, you’ll learn when to seek treatment for your lipoma.
Apr 1st, 2023
Three Types of Hemorrhoids and How to Identify Them

Three Types of Hemorrhoids and How to Identify Them
Hemorrhoids cause painful symptoms for millions of Americans, but fortunately, there are treatments that can help. The first step is to determine the type of hemorrhoid you have. Here are the three types you should know about.
Feb 1st, 2023
Soft-Tissue Tumors vs. Skin Cysts: What Is the Difference?

Soft-Tissue Tumors vs. Skin Cysts: What Is the Difference?
Skin lumps are common, and they’re usually nothing to worry about. Sometimes, though, they can be cancerous. Here’s how to tell the difference between two of the most common types of skin lumps — cysts and soft-tissue tumors.
Jan 1st, 2023
Anal Fistula Signs and Treatment

Anal Fistula Signs and Treatment
Anal fistulas are infected passageways that form between your anus and outside skin. They’re sometimes painful, and an infection can lead to other health complications. Learn to recognize the signs of an anal fistula and find the treatment you need.
Dec 1st, 2022
Four Tips to Prepare for Your First Colonoscopy

Four Tips to Prepare for Your First Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is the gold standard when it comes to screening for — and helping prevent — colon cancer. Getting ready ahead of time helps you stay relaxed and comfortable during prep and recovery, too. Here’s what to do.
Nov 1st, 2022
Why You Shouldn't Ignore an Anal Wart

Why You Shouldn't Ignore an Anal Wart
There’s no reason to be embarrassed by your anal warts — they’re more common than you think. If you let embarrassment prevent you from seeking treatment, you could wind up with a far more serious problem. Here’s why you shouldn’t ignore your warts.
Oct 1st, 2022
Healthy Gut Habits You Should Embrace Today

Healthy Gut Habits You Should Embrace Today
Keeping your gut healthy is an important step toward enjoying better overall health, too. Adopting these eight simple tips can give your gut the support it needs to function well and keep the rest of your body healthy.
Sep 1st, 2022
How Staying Hydrated Can Help You Avoid Common Anal Issues

How Staying Hydrated Can Help You Avoid Common Anal Issues
Most people know that getting plenty of fluid is important for overall health — but did you know staying hydrated can help with colon and anal health, too? It’s true. Here’s how hydration can help you avoid common — and often painful — problems.
Jun 1st, 2022
Tips for Preparing for Your Colonoscopy

Tips for Preparing for Your Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is the most accurate way to diagnose colon cancer in its earliest stages. While the procedure itself is straightforward, there are some things you’ll need to do ahead of time to prepare. Here’s what you need to know.
May 1st, 2022
5 Simple Ways You Can Prevent Hemorrhoids

5 Simple Ways You Can Prevent Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids affect millions of Americans — but you don’t have to be one of them. These five tips can help you prevent hemorrhoids and the uncomfortable symptoms they cause.
Apr 8th, 2022
Diet Changes That Help Your Colon

Diet Changes That Help Your Colon
Colon problems can wreak havoc on your digestion, your health, and your quality of life. The good news: Eating a healthy diet can help. Here are four easy ways to support colon health through smart food choices.
Mar 1st, 2022
What's Causing My Anal Fissure?

What's Causing My Anal Fissure?
Anal fissures are a relatively common cause of rectal bleeding, especially if you’re frequently constipated. If you have an anal fissure — or if you routinely have them — here’s what could be causing them.
Jan 1st, 2022
doctor and woman

What Can Be Done for My Painful Pilonidal Cyst?
A pilonidal cyst is a sometimes painful lump that forms at the base of your tailbone. If you have one, prompt treatment can relieve symptoms while preventing a serious infection. Here’s how our practice can help.
Dec 1st, 2021

Causes of Anal Warts (and What to Do About Them)
If you have anal warts, it’s not unusual to feel self-conscious. But guess what? Anal warts are common, caused by the same virus that causes genital warts. Best of all, they’re treatable. Here’s how we can help.
Oct 1st, 2021
What Happens During a Colonoscopy?

What Happens During a Colonoscopy?
Having a colonoscopy is one of the best things you can do to prevent colon cancer. Still, plenty of people hesitate and delay having a screening because they’re worried about what it entails. Sound familiar? Here’s what you need to know.
Sep 1st, 2021
Warning Signs of an Anal Fissure

Warning Signs of an Anal Fissure
Painful bowel movements? It could be an anal fissure. Learn the most common signs of anal fissures so you can get the care you need to heal quickly.
Aug 2nd, 2021

The Link Between Your Diet and Hemorrhoids
Painful, itching, burning hemorrhoids can take a big toll on your comfort and quality of life. The good news: There are plenty of treatment options that could help — including some pretty simple changes to your diet. Here’s what to do.
Jul 13th, 2021

How to Alleviate the Presence and Pain of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can cause a lot of painful symptoms, along with rectal bleeding, itching, burning, and swelling. Fortunately, today there are lots of treatment options to help you find relief. Here are some home remedies and medical options to consider.
May 17th, 2021

Causes of a Pilonidal Cyst and How to Remove It
Pilonidal cysts can be extremely painful, and without prompt medical care, they can develop into significant infections. Here’s what you should know about how these relatively common cysts form and how they’re treated.
Apr 13th, 2021

When Should I Get a Colonoscopy?
Most people know it’s important to have a colonoscopy to detect and even prevent colorectal cancer. But do you know when you should have your first colonoscopy and how often you should be screened? We have the answers.
Mar 11th, 2021

Treatment for Your Soft Tissue Tumors

Most benign soft tissue tumors are asymptomatic, meaning they don’t cause pain or other problems. But when they do, treatment is essential for relieving those symptoms and preventing them from getting worse. Here’s how we can help.
Feb 10th, 2021

Help for Your Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are a common complaint, and they become even more common with age. If you’re suffering from the pain, burning, and itching hemorrhoids can cause, here’s how you can find relief — and keep them from coming back.
Nov 3rd, 2020

Does a Hernia Always Require Surgery?
Hernias can cause a lot of pain, and without proper treatment, they can lead to major medical problems. But do all hernias need surgery? Here’s what you should know.
Oct 15th, 2020

The Most Common Causes of Anal Fissures
Anal fissures are a common cause of painful bowel movements, and they can cause bleeding, too. If you have anal fissures, here’s what could be causing them — and how to stop those painful symptoms from recurring.
Sep 1st, 2020