Medical illustration showing common hemorrhoid symptoms including bleeding swelling itching and thrombosed hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids can cause a variety of symptoms depending on their type, size, and severity. Some people experience only mild irritation, while others may have bleeding, swelling, or significant discomfort.
Hemorrhoids are one of the most common causes of rectal bleeding and anal discomfort. Symptoms may appear gradually or suddenly, especially if a blood clot forms in an external hemorrhoid.
Treatment depends on the specific symptoms and severity of hemorrhoids, and may range from lifestyle changes to minimally invasive procedures.
Most Common Hemorrhoid Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
Bright red blood during bowel movements
Itching or irritation around the anus
Pain or discomfort when sitting
Swelling near the anus
A lump or bulge near the anal opening
Mucus discharge
A feeling of incomplete bowel emptying
Symptoms may vary depending on whether the hemorrhoids are internal or external.
Rectal Bleeding from Hemorrhoids
One of the most common hemorrhoid symptoms is bright red bleeding during bowel movements.
Bleeding may appear:
On toilet paper
On the surface of stool
In the toilet bowl
Bleeding hemorrhoids are usually caused by internal hemorrhoids.
Learn what hemorrhoids look like including internal, external, and thrombosed hemorrhoids. Understand when swelling, lumps, or bleeding may require medical evaluation.
Learn how hemorrhoids are treated including lifestyle changes, medications, office procedures, and surgery. Understand which hemorrhoid treatments work best.
Learn how to treat hemorrhoids at home using diet changes, fiber, sitz baths, and other remedies that can relieve pain, itching, and swelling.
Expert Colorectal Care
Expert Hemorrhoid Care in Phoenix
Dr. Aisha Akhtar, MD is a board-certified colorectal surgeon specializing in the evaluation and treatment of hemorrhoids and other anorectal conditions. She offers comprehensive care ranging from conservative management to office procedures such as hemorrhoid banding and advanced surgical treatments when necessary.
“Dr. Akhtar and the entire team made what could have been a very stressful experience feel comfortable, reassuring, and genuinely cared for from...Dr. Akhtar and the entire team made what could have been a very stressful experience feel comfortable, reassuring, and genuinely cared for from start to finish. Dr. Akhtar was professional, compassionate, and took the time to thoroughly explain everything before my procedure, which immediately put me at ease. The procedure itself went smoothly, and I truly felt I was in excellent hands the entire time.The office staff was also kind, organized, and attentive throughout the process. I’m incredibly grateful for the level of care, patience, and professionalism I received. I would absolutely recommend Dr. Akhtar to anyone looking for a skilled doctor who truly cares about their patients and their comfort.”
Michelle Abby
★★★★★
“I cannot express the how thankful I am for Dr. Akhtar. I had been to 4 other colorectal doctors, 3 gastro doctors before seeing Dr. Akhtar. I was...I cannot express the how thankful I am for Dr. Akhtar. I had been to 4 other colorectal doctors, 3 gastro doctors before seeing Dr. Akhtar. I was crying in her office when she met me the first time. That didn't deter her. Not only that but she located the issue on my first visit. She is kind, caring, thorough and incredibly knowledgeable. She listens, spends time with you and doesn't talk over you. I've needed extra time to discuss my case many times and she has always taken the time that I needed. I've brought to her research I've read, and she always already knows about the publications. The staff are kind and helpful. I dont know what I would have done without finding her. Another health care provider recommended her highly as do I.”
Lorena Zeilman
★★★★★
“Best colorectal surgeon I’ve ever met. Dr. Akhtar is compassionate, gentle, warm, and caring. I came to her in Glendale after having a horrific...Best colorectal surgeon I’ve ever met. Dr. Akhtar is compassionate, gentle, warm, and caring. I came to her in Glendale after having a horrific experience with a general surgeon in Flagstaff (where I live). The Flagstaff surgeon caused a hemorrhage that almost cost me my life, and then I developed stenosis after the emergency room surgeon “fixed” the hemorrhage. Dr. Akhtar was kind enough to take me as a patient (most surgeons will not take a patient who has already been operated by another surgeon due to liability). She was very respectful and gentle in the examination, and was even able to fit me in for an outpatient procedure under sedation the very same day (knowing that I drove over 2 hours to see her). I could not be happier with her. She took the time to personally call me the next day to check on my progress. You do not see this type of doctor very often anymore. She is someone who is in it for the patient, and you can tell. I will continue to drive over 4 hours there and back to receive her high quality care and expertise. Cannot recommend her highly enough.”
Brianna Stabler
★★★★★
“Dr. Akhtar is THE BEST provider I have ever seen, period. She is incredibly knowledgeable, informative, and above all so kind. I have not met...Dr. Akhtar is THE BEST provider I have ever seen, period. She is incredibly knowledgeable, informative, and above all so kind. I have not met many people who have as comforting a bedside manner as she does. I was educated properly every step of the way and felt confident doing so because of her caring demeanor. Her PA Moses is also so friendly and upbeat, helping to ease any tension you may be feeling prior to the exam. The energy both Dr. Akhtar and Moses bring was paramount to how excellent my experience was here. Given their specialty, it would be easy to have an uncomfortable experience. However, they go the extra mile to make sure you are comfortable and reassured before anything is done. I cannot recommend this practice enough. Thank you Dr. Akhtar for the genuine concern and care you provided to me! Both my body and my outlook on my health outcomes are better off because of you.”
Huda Albayati
★★★★★
“Dr. Aisha Akhtar is an amazing and caring doctor. She helped me so much throughout my treatment and made me feel comfortable and supported every...Dr. Aisha Akhtar is an amazing and caring doctor. She helped me so much throughout my treatment and made me feel comfortable and supported every step of the way. She is very knowledgeable, patient, and truly listens to her patients. I’m very grateful for her care and highly recommend her to anyone looking for an excellent colorectal surgeon.”
Renee Wolf
★★★★★Jun 2, 2026
“The whole office was wonderful. Dr Akhtar was excellent. She was thorough. She explained things extremely well. She answered all my questions. I...The whole office was wonderful. Dr Akhtar was excellent. She was thorough. She explained things extremely well. She answered all my questions. I never felt like she was rushing my exam.”
Susan Denise
★★★★★May 29, 2026
“I have never met a Dr. As Brilliant, Kind and Compassionate as Dr. Ahktar! I even told her I wish she could be my primary physician. Just beyond...I have never met a Dr. As Brilliant, Kind and Compassionate as Dr. Ahktar! I even told her I wish she could be my primary physician. Just beyond lovely inside and out. I feel very blessed to be in her care!! There is no amount of stars that would be adequate enough to express how extraordinary she is!!!!”
Kathryn Hassett
★★★★★May 28, 2026
“Dr. Akhtar listens and cares about her patients, she is having new staff trained, please be patient. I have all the convenient she will ask help me.”
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Anonymous
★★★★★May 21, 2026
“Dr. Akhtar professionalism , knowledge, integrity and empathy are outstanding qualities! I could not have asked to be in the care of anyone...Dr. Akhtar professionalism , knowledge, integrity and empathy are outstanding qualities! I could not have asked to be in the care of anyone better than her. I highly recommended her!”
Michael Brown
★★★★★May 21, 2026
“Doctor Akhtar is very respectful and kind when dealing with difficult medical issues. I really appreciate her.”