It’s Not Always Hemorrhoids: Anal Health with Dr. Talar Tejerian

Not every anal health problem is a hemorrhoid. Board-certified general surgeon Dr. Talar Tejerian joins Dr. David Spiro to explain the differences between hemorrhoids and anal fissures—and why persistent pain, bleeding, or other symptoms should not be dismissed.Dr. Tejerian is the founder of Booty MD, a nonprofit dedicated to making anal health education clear, evidence-based, and free from shame. She discusses why anal health remains stigmatized, how gaps in medical training can contribute to misdiagnosis, and why conditions such as fissures, fistulas, inflammatory bowel disease, and anal cancer may sometimes be mistaken for hemorrhoids.The conversation also explores:• The three-minute toilet rule• How prolonged toilet sitting and straining affect hemorrhoidal tissue• The difference between hemorrhoids and anal fissures• Constipation, diet, and bowel health• HPV vaccination and anal cancer prevention• Why a proper examination matters• The risks associated with rectal foreign bodies• How physicians can discuss sensitive health concerns without judgmentCHAPTERS00:00:00 The three-minute toilet rule00:00:29 Meet Dr. Talar Tejerian00:02:38 Why she founded Booty MD00:08:33 Breaking the stigma around anal health00:12:10 Gaps in medical training and examination00:20:11 Anal cancer, colorectal cancer, and HPV00:24:39 Diet, constipation, and anal health00:25:06 Hemorrhoids versus anal fissures00:31:26 Is scrolling on the toilet harmful?00:33:45 Rectal foreign bodies and emergency care00:42:24 The future of Booty MD00:45:39 Health education through social media00:49:38 Authenticity and trust in medicine00:53:50 Closing thoughts