What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus.
They occur when increased pressure in the anal canal veins causes them to enlarge and sometimes become inflamed.

Hemorrhoids are very common. Studies estimate that nearly 50% of adults over age 50 experience hemorrhoids at some point.

Common Hemorrhoid Symptoms

• Rectal bleeding during bowel movements
• Itching around the anus
• Pain or discomfort
• A lump or swelling near the anus
• Mucus discharge

Some hemorrhoids may cause no symptoms and are only discovered during a medical exam.

Internal Hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum.

Because this area has fewer pain-sensitive nerves, internal hemorrhoids often do not cause pain, but they may lead to bleeding or prolapse.

Signs of Internal Hemorrhoids

• Bright red blood during bowel movements
• A feeling of incomplete evacuation
• Tissue protruding from the anus (prolapse)

Grades of Internal Hemorrhoids

External Hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids form under the skin around the anus and are more likely to cause symptoms due to abundant pain-sensitive nerves.

Signs of External Hemorrhoids

• Pain when sitting
• Itching or irritation
• Hard lump near the anus
• Swelling

A thrombosed hemorrhoid occurs when a blood clot forms inside an external hemorrhoid, causing sudden severe pain.

How Common Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are one of the most common anorectal conditions.

• Approximately 1 in 20 Americans experience symptomatic hemorrhoids.
• Up to 50% of adults over 50 develop hemorrhoids at some point.

Risk Factors

• Age
• Chronic constipation
• Pregnancy
• Prolonged sitting
• Straining during bowel movements

These factors increase pressure in the rectal veins, leading to hemorrhoid formation.

Causes of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids develop when pressure in the anal and rectal veins increases.

Common contributing factors:

• Straining during bowel movements
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Sitting on the toilet for long periods
• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Heavy lifting

Learn more about causes here:
👉 What Causes Hemorrhoids

When to See a Doctor

Most hemorrhoids improve with lifestyle changes and conservative care.

Seek medical evaluation if you experience:

• Persistent rectal bleeding
• Severe pain
• A lump that does not improve
• Symptoms lasting more than a week

Rectal bleeding may sometimes indicate more serious conditions such as colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, so proper evaluation is important.

Learn More About Hemorrhoids

You may also explore these guides:

• Hemorrhoids Overview
• Hemorrhoids Symptoms
• Hemorrhoids Procedures
• Hemorrhoids FAQ
• Hemorrhoids Images & Diagrams