Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that develop in or around the anus. They are very common — it’s estimated that 11% of the adult population has hemorrhoids.1
While most cases aren’t serious, symptoms of hemorrhoids can be extremely unpleasant. That’s why so many people seek treatment for hemorrhoids, either at-home remedies and lifestyle changes or medical treatments.
Understanding the signs of hemorrhoids can help determine if hemorrhoids are present, the type of hemorrhoid, and what steps to take to get relief.
Common Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can occur inside the rectum (internal hemorrhoids) or outside around the anus (external hemorrhoids). Different types of hemorrhoids cause varying symptoms.
Here are some of the most common hemorrhoid symptoms and why they occur:
Pain and Discomfort
External hemorrhoids can feel uncomfortable or painful when sitting down — especially if sitting for long periods or in a hard chair. They can also cause a sharp or throbbing pain during a bowel movement or when wiping.
Internal hemorrhoids generally don’t cause pain.
Itching and Irritation
One of the most frustrating anal hemorrhoid symptoms is itching and irritation. The itching can be caused by enlarged veins that cause excess moisture and mucus to leak from the anus. Scratching or repeated wiping can irritate the hemorrhoid, making the itchiness worse.
This hemorrhoid symptom can worsen at night, making it difficult to fall asleep.
Swelling Around the Anus
Hemorrhoids are swollen piles of vascular tissue, and you may notice signs of this swelling, like a feeling of something pushing against the anus. This is a possible symptom of large internal hemorrhoids. With external hemorrhoids, you might be able to feel a tender, swollen hard lump outside of the anus.
Bleeding
Bright red blood in the stool, in the toilet bowl, or on toilet paper after wiping is a common warning sign of hemorrhoids. The bleeding can occur from straining during a bowel movement.
Hemorrhoid bleeding is usually not severe. If there’s a lot of blood, it could be because a blood clot has formed in the hemorrhoid. This complication — a thrombosed hemorrhoid — can damage surrounding blood vessels and healthy tissue and requires urgent medical treatment.
Protrusion (Prolapse)
An internal hemorrhoid can protrude out of the anus. This might happen during a bowel movement. A protruding or prolapsed hemorrhoid will feel like a soft mass. Sometimes, it can be gently pushed back into the anus.
Lump Formation
External hemorrhoids can form hard lumps outside the anus. There could be one lump or several.
External vs. Internal Hemorrhoid Symptoms
Internal Hemorrhoid Symptoms
Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum and are usually not visible. They are typically painless, but they can cause:
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Bright red blood during or after bowel movements
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A feeling of incomplete evacuation
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Mucus discharge
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Prolapsed hemorrhoids, which may protrude through the anus and become painful if irritated
Because there are fewer pain-sensitive nerves inside the rectum, internal hemorrhoids may go unnoticed until they bleed or prolapse.
External Hemorrhoid Symptoms
External hemorrhoids form under the skin around the anus and are more likely to cause noticeable discomfort, such as:
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Pain or discomfort, especially while sitting or during bowel movements
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Swelling or a lump near the anus
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Itching or irritation in the anal region
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Bleeding during bowel movements
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Thrombosed hemorrhoids, which occur when a blood clot forms, causing severe pain and swelling
Since external hemorrhoids are located in a sensitive area, symptoms are often more pronounced and bothersome.
Other Possible Hemorrhoid Symptoms
Bleeding, itching, and discomfort are common with hemorrhoids, but other possible symptoms may occur.
Mucus Discharge
An inflamed internal hemorrhoid might leak mucus. If that happens, it might cause a feeling of dampness in the anal region. Rectal discharge from an internal hemorrhoid will usually go away after a few days. If it doesn’t, it’s important to see a doctor, especially if you notice signs of infection from hemorrhoids or other unusual symptoms that could indicate a more serious condition.
Fecal Leakage
Hemorrhoids can stop the muscles around the anus from closing all the way. If this happens, a small amount of stool can leak out.
Incomplete Bowel Movement Discomfort
A large internal hemorrhoid can cause extra pressure or it can make it feel like there is still more stool to push out when having a bowel movement.
Take Control of Your Symptoms and Schedule an Appointment
Often, hemorrhoid symptoms will clear up in a week or two. Lifestyle changes and home care can help speed up the healing process. Eating more fiber, drinking water, and sitz baths can all help.
However, if hemorrhoid symptoms don’t start to improve with home care after one week, it’s important to see a doctor.
A hemorrhoid specialist can perform an exam and discuss your symptoms to determine if you have hemorrhoids, how severe they are, and what type of treatment will help you get relief. Seeing a doctor is also important to rule out other more serious conditions, such as colon or rectal cancer.
USA Hemorrhoid Centers is home to highly recommended hemorrhoid doctors who specialize in treating hemorrhoids with a non-surgical procedure that offers lasting relief with minimal risk of complications. We have clinics nationwide offering hemorrhoid consultations, personalized treatment plans, and affordable care.
Schedule a consultation at a USA Hemorrhoid Centers location near you and take control of your symptoms.
FAQs on Hemorrhoid Symptoms
Bleeding is the most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids. You might notice a small amount of bright red blood after a bowel movement in the toilet bowel or after wiping.
Some hemorrhoids will go away on their own over time. However, if the cause of the hemorrhoid development isn’t addressed, it can reoccur. It’s also possible for hemorrhoids to persist for months or even years, causing chronic discomfort and increasing the risk of a complication, such as a blood clot.
You can tell if you have hemorrhoids by looking for common signs, such as blood in the stool, itching and irritation around the anus, and a lump near the anus or protruding from it. Hemorrhoids can also be painful. If your symptoms don’t start clearing up after a week with at-home care, see a doctor to make sure your symptoms are from hemorrhoids rather than another condition. A hemorrhoid specialist can also offer an appropriate treatment.
Sources
- Parvez Sheike, Catherine Regnier, Fabienne Goron, and Ghislaine Salmat. The prevalence, characteristics and treatment of hemorrhoidal disease: results of an international web-based survey. Journal of Comparative Effectiveness Research. Volume 9, No 17.
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