Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum and anus. They are similar to varicose veins in the legs. Hemorrhoids can be internal or external.

Internal hemorrhoids form inside the rectum. They are usually not painful, but they can bleed. Internal hemorrhoids can prolapse, or push through the anus. This can be painful and cause irritation.

External hemorrhoids form under the skin around the anus. They can be painful, itchy, and bleed. External hemorrhoids can also thrombose, or form a blood clot. This can be very painful.

Causes

The exact cause of hemorrhoids is unknown, but they are thought to be caused by increased pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus. This can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Straining during bowel movements
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Lifting heavy objects
• Sitting for long periods of time
• A low-fiber diet

Symptoms

The symptoms of hemorrhoids depend on the type of hemorrhoid.

Internal hemorrhoids may not cause any symptoms, but they can bleed. The blood is usually bright red and may be seen on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl.

External hemorrhoids can be painful, itchy, and bleed. They may also form a blood clot, which can be very painful.

Diagnosis

Hemorrhoids can usually be diagnosed with a physical exam. Your doctor may also order a anoscopy, which is a procedure to examine the rectum and anus.

Treatment

Most hemorrhoids will go away on their own within a few days. However, there are a number of things you can do to relieve the symptoms and prevent them from coming back. These things include:

• Eating a high-fiber diet
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Avoiding straining during bowel movements
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers and stool softeners
• Applying a warm compress to the anus
• Taking a sitz bath, which is a warm bath that covers the hips and buttocks

If your hemorrhoids do not go away on their own or are severe, your doctor may recommend other treatments, such as:

• Rubber band ligation: This procedure involves placing a rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply. The hemorrhoid will then shrink and fall off within a few days.
• Sclerotherapy: This procedure involves injecting a solution into the hemorrhoid to shrink it.
• Infrared coagulation: This procedure uses infrared light to heat the hemorrhoid and destroy it.
• Surgery: Surgery is usually only recommended for severe hemorrhoids that do not respond to other treatments.

Prevention

There are a number of things you can do to prevent hemorrhoids, including:

• Eating a high-fiber diet
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Avoiding straining during bowel movements
• Exercising regularly
• Maintaining a healthy weight

If you have any concerns about hemorrhoids, please talk to your doctor.