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Have you ever felt an uncomfortable pressure in your bottom after sitting too long or noticed blood after using the toilet? You’re not alone. Hemorrhoids are more common than most people realize, yet many feel embarrassed to talk about them. But understanding what are hemorrhoids and how they affect your health is the first step toward relief.
In this blog, we’ll take a clear look at what are hemorrhoids, how they develop, their symptoms, treatment options, and ways to prevent them. Whether you’re facing symptoms now or want to stay informed, this is a must-read.
What are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed veins in your rectum or anus. Normally, they help with stool control, but when these vascular cushions become irritated or stretched, they cause uncomfortable symptoms like pain, itching, and bleeding.
There are two main types:
| Type | Location | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Hemorrhoids | Inside rectum | Painless bleeding during bowel movements, mucous discharge, prolapse (in severe cases) |
| External Hemorrhoids | Under the skin around the anus | Pain, swelling, irritation, bleeding, thrombosis (clot) |
Why Do You Get Hemorrhoids?
Though the exact cause isn’t always known, these common triggers increase your risk:
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea
- Straining during bowel movements
- Sitting on the toilet too long
- Pregnancy, which increases abdominal pressure
- Obesity, which puts extra stress on pelvic veins
- Low-fiber diets
- Aging as tissues lose elasticity (common between ages 45–65)
According to Harvard Health and the CDC, nearly 50% of people over 50 experience hemorrhoids.
Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
1. Internal Hemorrhoids Symptoms
Internal hemorrhoids don’t usually hurt. But they can cause painless bleeding when you use the bathroom. You might see bright red blood on toilet paper or in the bowl. It can also cover the stool. Sometimes, internal hemorrhoids may bulge outside the body, leading to pain and irritation.
2. External Hemorrhoids Symptoms
External hemorrhoids are under the skin around the anus. They often cause pain, itching, and swelling. You might feel a painful lump near your anus. Or you could have irritation and itching in the anal area. These hemorrhoids also might bleed during bowel movements.
3. Thrombosed Hemorrhoids Symptoms
A thrombosed hemorrhoid has a blood clot. It causes severe pain, swelling, and color changes in the skin. This area may look purple or blue and feel very tender. Thrombosed hemorrhoids are quite painful and might need medical care.
Always consult a gastroenterologist to rule out serious conditions like colorectal cancer if you’re experiencing rectal bleeding.
Risk Factors for Hemorrhoids
Things like getting older or having a big baby inside (if you’re pregnant) can make you more likely to get hemorrhoids.
- Age: As we get older, parts around our back end can become weaker, making hemorrhoids more likely.
- Pregnancy: Having a big baby or pushing too hard during birth can also do this.
- Obesity: Carrying a lot of extra weight can press on those veins, causing problems.
- Family history: If someone in your family has had hemorrhoids, you might also get them more easily.
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea: Not having a regular bathroom pattern can worsen this.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Sitting around a lot can slow down the blood flow, making veins more likely to swell.
Complications of Hemorrhoids
While rare, complications of hemorrhoids need quick attention from a doctor. Some issues may include
- Chronic bleeding can cause anemia. This means not enough red blood cells for oxygen. Hemorrhoids that bleed could make you weak.
- A prolapsed hemorrhoid might lose its blood supply. This can be very painful and needs urgent care.
- A blood clot in an external hemorrhoid is called a thrombosed hemorrhoid. It’s very painful and can lead to swelling and changes in skin color.
- Though not common, these hemorrhoid complications are serious. They need quick treatment to avoid bigger problems.
Diagnosis of Hemorrhoids
A healthcare provider will check for hemorrhoids by looking at the anus and rectum. First, they will visually inspect the area. They are looking for swollen blood vessels or external hemorrhoids. Then, they might do a digital rectal exam. In this test, they gently insert a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum. This is to feel for anything unusual or painful.
Additional Diagnostic Tests
If needed, the doctor may order more tests. These are to make sure of the diagnosis or look for other issues. Tests might include:
- Anoscopy: A lighted tube to check the lower rectum and anus for internal hemorrhoids.
- Sigmoidoscopy: A flexible, lighted tube to examine the colon’s lower part. This tests helps rule out other causes of rectal bleeding.
- Colonoscopy: A thorough look at the whole colon with a long, flexible, lighted tube. It checks for any problems.
These checks can tell if it’s really hemorrhoids and not something else, like colorectal cancer.
Non-Surgical Treatments You Can Start Today
A. Lifestyle Changes
| Change | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Increase fiber intake (25–30g/day) | Softens stool, reduces straining |
| Drink 6–8 glasses of water/day | Prevents constipation |
| Exercise regularly | Improves bowel motility |
| Avoid sitting too long on the toilet | Reduces rectal pressure |
B. Home Remedies
- Sitz baths: Soak in warm water for 10–15 minutes, 2–3 times a day
- Cold compress: Reduces inflammation
- Topical treatments: OTC creams with hydrocortisone or witch hazel
- Oral pain relief: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Avoid hydrocortisone creams for more than 7 days, they can thin your skin
Read: Hemorrhoids Self-Care: 10 Effective At-Home Treatments
Medical & Minimally Invasive Procedures
When conservative care fails, you may need an in-office procedure.
A. Non-Surgical Outpatient Treatments
| Procedure | How It Works | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rubber Band Ligation | Tiny rubber bands cut off blood supply to hemorrhoid | Grade I–III internal hemorrhoids | Hemorrhoid falls off in 5–7 days |
| Sclerotherapy | Injection of chemical solution to shrink hemorrhoid | Mild-to-moderate cases | May require repeat treatments |
| Infrared Coagulation / Laser | Heat causes hemorrhoid to scar and shrink | Bleeding hemorrhoids | Fewer complications, quick recovery |
| Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolization (HAE) | Blocks blood flow to hemorrhoid via catheter and coils | Chronic bleeding or inoperable patients | Done by interventional radiologists; 90% success rate |
Surgical Treatments (When Other Options Fail)
Surgery is typically reserved for severe, persistent, or thrombosed hemorrhoids.
A. Hemorrhoidectomy
- What it is: Surgical removal of hemorrhoids
- How it’s done: Under local, spinal, or general anesthesia
- Recovery: 2–4 weeks; most effective long-term
- Risks: Pain, urinary retention, rare risk of infection or fecal incontinence
B. Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy (Stapling)
- What it is: Hemorrhoids are repositioned and blood flow is cut off
- Pros: Less pain, quicker recovery than excision
- Cons: Higher recurrence rate, potential for rectal prolapse
C. Doppler-Guided Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation
- What it is: Uses ultrasound to locate and ligate feeding arteries
- Benefits: Minimally invasive, fewer complications
- Drawback: Slightly higher recurrence risk
Hemorrhoid Treatment Options
| Treatment | Invasiveness | Recovery | Best for | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lifestyle changes | None | Ongoing | Mild symptoms | None |
| Sitz baths/OTC meds | None | 1 week | Mild-to-moderate | Temporary relief |
| Rubber band ligation | Minimally invasive | 1–2 days | Internal hemorrhoids | Mild bleeding/discomfort |
| Sclerotherapy | Minimally invasive | 1–2 days | Bleeding hemorrhoids | Recurrence |
| Coagulation | Minimally invasive | 1 day | Small bleeding hemorrhoids | Minimal pain |
| HAE | Minimally invasive | 2–3 days | Bleeding, not fit for surgery | Rare infection |
| Excisional surgery | Invasive | 2–4 weeks | Large or thrombosed hemorrhoids | Pain, bleeding |
| Stapled hemorrhoidopexy | Invasive | 1–2 weeks | Internal hemorrhoids | Recurrence, rare sepsis |
Prevention Strategies
Changing your diet and lifestyle can stop hemorrhoids from forming again. These steps lower your chances of getting hemorrhoids or having them happen again.
Dietary and Lifestyle Changes
For stopping hemorrhoids, try the following changes:
- Eat more fiber with fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Fiber makes it easier to go to the bathroom without straining, which helps prevent hemorrhoids.
- Drink plenty of water, aiming for 6 to 8 glasses daily. This keeps your stool soft, avoiding constipation that can bring on hemorrhoids.
- Keep healthy by working out often. Being overweight and not moving enough can up your risk for hemorrhoids.
- Don’t sit for too long or push hard when using the bathroom. These actions can strain your veins and cause hemorrhoids.
- Fix constipation or diarrhea quickly. Doing so will reduce further irritation around your anal area, making your hemorrhoid symptoms better.
Follow these how to prevent hemorrhoids guidelines. Taking these steps can lower your risk of getting hemorrhoids or having them come back.
Managing Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
Hemorrhoids are common during pregnancy, hitting about half of all expecting moms. They come from more pressure on veins in the stomach and bottom. Straining when you’re constipated or giving birth can also make them worse. Though they’re usually not a big deal, they can cause pain and discomfort. Luckily, there are things you can do at home to help, like eating more fiber, drinking plenty of water, and using special creams or ointments. If things get really bad, a doctor might suggest some other treatments or even surgery. It’s key for pregnant women to talk to their doctor or midwife if they’re worried about hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids during pregnancy happen a lot, affecting many soon-to-be moms. Between 25% and 35% of pregnant women could get them because of pregnancy and vaginal birth. In some groups, as many as 85% of pregnancies face hemorrhoids in the last trimester. Constipation plays a big role, which is why it’s crucial to eat foods packed with fiber, drink lots of water, and move your body.
Treating hemorrhoids during pregnancy mainly involves gentle steps, like soaking in warm water and using stuff you can buy without a prescription. A recent study suggested that taking fiber supplements helps. It found a clear benefit in more than 350 people with hemorrhoids. Special creams and ointments with painkillers and anti-swelling effects can also help with soreness, pain, and mild bleeding.
Sometimes, in serious situations, a doctor might suggest surgery for hemorrhoids during pregnancy. This is rare but can be necessary. Other more intense treatments, like sclerotherapy or surgery, are for those who still have symptoms after trying the usual ways to heal. Using botulinum toxin for severe anus tears and hemorrhoids is not an option during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Most of the time, though, simple steps can really help. This includes more fiber, maybe stool softeners, drinking more fluids, and learning better bathroom habits. For many, the trouble with hemorrhoids goes away after they give birth. But it’s always wise to talk to your doctor or midwife about any concerns. They can help make sure things are managed well and prevent any serious problems.
Get Expert Help for Hemorrhoids with Dr. Nivedita Pandey
Living with hemorrhoids can be frustrating. But you don’t have to suffer in silence. If you have pain, bleeding, or discomfort, reach out for best hemorrhoids treatment.
Dr. Nivedita Pandey, MBBS, Diplomate, American Board (Internal Medicine & Gastroenterology), is a US-trained, board-certified senior gastroenterologist and hepatologist. She’s also an obesity specialist. As one of South Delhi’s few female gastroenterologists, she offers compassionate, expert care, especially for women with digestive or hormonal concerns.
Book your consultation today and take the first step toward healing.
FAQ
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are like varicose veins but in the rectum and anus. They can be inside the rectum or outside the anus. They may cause pain and bleed.
What are the different types of hemorrhoids?
How are hemorrhoids managed during pregnancy?
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This article is medically reviewed by Dr. Nivedita Pandey, Senior Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, ensuring accurate and reliable health information.
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