Blog Articles

Beyond the Basics: What Your Colonoscopy Results Really Mean

Colonoscopy results can feel confusing — even when nothing serious is found. Understanding what a colonoscopy is looking for — and what basic results mean for your health — offers lots of peace of mind. Here’s what to know.

Mar 3rd, 2026

Plagued by Pilonidal Disease? 3 Ways to Prevent Painful Flare-Ups (How Laser Hair Removal Can Help)

Pilonidal disease is a chronic condition that benefits from regular care. Here, learn three simple steps you can take to reduce flare-ups — and find out how laser hair removal can be an effective part of your treatment plan.

Feb 2nd, 2026

Should You Finally Get That Painful Anal Fistula Treated in the New Year?

That painful anal fistula isn’t going to get better on its own — and waiting can lead to more pain and serious complications. Start the new year by finally getting relief. Learn why prompt treatment is so important for your long-term health.

Jan 29th, 2026

Navigating Holiday Feasts: 5 Tips to Avoid Digestive Distress

Rich meals and festive treats can take a toll on your digestive system. Learn how to prevent bloating, heartburn, and other uncomfortable digestive symptoms with five simple strategies focused on optimizing your gut health this holiday season.

Dec 1st, 2025

Eat This Not That: Hemorrhoid Edition

Hemorrhoids can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, and while medical therapy definitely plays an essential role in relief and prevention, your eating habits play a role, too. Here’s how a few simple dietary changes can help you find relief.

Oct 29th, 2025

You Don’t Have to Be Afraid of Getting a Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosing colon cancer early, when treatment is simplest and most effective. If you’re worried about your upcoming screening, here’s what you should know to gain some much-needed peace of mind.

Oct 21st, 2025

Can Laser Hair Removal Help with Pilonidal Disease? What Patients Should Know

Pilonidal disease is a painful condition that often requires surgical treatment. Research shows laser hair removal helps prevent pilonidal disease and its recurrence, offering long-term benefits without surgery. Here’s how it works.

Sep 1st, 2025

Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy? We Can Help

Hemorrhoids are a common “side effect” of pregnancy. They can certainly be uncomfortable, but the good news is that there are solutions that can help. Here’s how we can help you find relief from your painful hemorrhoids.

Aug 2nd, 2025

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

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

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?

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

Colon Cancer in Young Adults is Rising: What Accounts for This Trend and How to Protect Yourself

Colorectal cancer rates are on the rise among young people — but fortunately, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing this all-too-common cancer. Here, learn why rates are rising and what you can do to stay healthy.

Mar 1st, 2025

Internal Versus External Hemorrhoids: How to Tell the Difference

Internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids can both be caused by constipation and straining, but the symptoms may be different and so can the treatments. Here’s how these two types of hemorrhoids differ and what we can do to help.

Feb 2nd, 2025

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

Anal Warts and Hemorrhoids: The Differences and Similarities

Anal warts and hemorrhoids are common health problems with similar symptoms, yet they require very different care. Here, learn the basics of both conditions and why treatment is important for both.

Nov 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

Rubber Band Ligation: A Quick, Minimally Invasive Way to Get Rid of Internal Hemorrhoids

Rubber band ligation is a simple, straightforward treatment for internal hemorrhoids that cause pain, swelling, or bleeding. Here’s how this minimally invasive treatment could help relieve your symptoms.

Sep 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 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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

How Good Digestive Health Can Help You Avoid Colorectal Issues

Colorectal issues are common, and they become more likely as we age. Improving digestive health is one thing you can do right now to help prevent serious problems in your future. Here’s what to do.

Jul 1st, 2023

Questions to Ask Your General Surgeon Before Hernia Repair Surgery

Hernia surgery is common, but if a procedure is in your future, it’s also common to have lots of questions. In this post, find the answers to questions our patients often have before their hernia repair surgeries.

Jun 1st, 2023

Pain, Itching, and Bleeding: Is It a Hemorrhoid or an Anal Fissure?

Hemorrhoids and anal fissures can cause similar symptoms, but they affect you in different ways — and that means they need different treatments, too. Here’s how these two common concerns differ.

May 1st, 2023

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

Know the Guidelines for Colorectal Screenings: A Colonoscopy Can Save Your Life

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers, claiming thousands of lives every year in the United States. Regular colorectal cancer screening is designed to catch cancer early so it can be treated. Here’s how often you should be screened.

Mar 1st, 2023

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?

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 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

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

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

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

Fiber: Your Natural Remedy for Constipation and Hemorrhoid Pain

Constipation and hemorrhoids are common — and uncomfortable. Medical treatments can help, but in many cases, increasing your fiber intake is a natural way to improve your symptoms. Here’s how fiber supports a healthy gut.

Aug 1st, 2022

Warning Signs Your Hernia Needs Medical Attention

Hernias are common, affecting millions of Americans. Still, that doesn’t mean they can’t be serious. Here’s how to tell when it’s time to see the doctor for your hernia.

Jul 1st, 2022

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

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

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

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

Should I Be Concerned About My Anal Warts?

Anal warts are unattractive, and in some cases, they can be uncomfortable, too. But are they dangerous? We have the answer.

Feb 1st, 2022

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

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

Why a Hemorrhoidectomy Might Be Right for the Removal of Your Hemorrhoids

Symptomatic hemorrhoids can cause chronic pain for those who suffer from them, and in some cases, they can cause serious complications. A hemorrhoidectomy can help. Here’s when it’s time to consider this surgical procedure.

Nov 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?

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

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

Understanding the Different Treatments for an Anal Fistula

Anal fistulas can be painful, but the good news is, there are several treatments that can help. Here’s how Dr. Tarlowe uses state-of-the-art techniques to treat anal fistulas and promote healing.

Jun 1st, 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

The Importance of Diagnosing Your Anal Warts

Anal warts aren’t just unattractive — they can also increase your risk for anal cancer. Here’s why early diagnosis is important for staying healthy.

Jan 7th, 2021

What Causes Anorectal Fistulas and What Are My Treatment Options?

Anorectal fistulas are caused by deep infections, and medical intervention is necessary to prevent more serious problems from developing. Here’s how to tell if you might have a fistula — and how it can be treated.

Dec 1st, 2020

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

What to Expect During and After Your First Colonoscopy

Are you dreading your first colonoscopy? Don’t let fear get in your way. Chances are you’ll doze through the whole thing. Here’s what you should know.

Aug 12th, 2020

What’s the Difference Between External and Internal Hemorrhoids?

If you’re suffering from hemorrhoids, you may be surprised to learn that your treatment options vary based on the type of hemorrhoid you have. Learn about the two types and how they’re treated.

Jul 23rd, 2020