Hemorrhoids are when the veins or blood vessels in and around your anus and lower rectum become swollen and irritated. This happens when there is extra pressure on these veins.
Hemorrhoids can be either inside your anus (internal) or under the skin around your anus (external).
Hemorrhoids are very common in both men and women. About half of all people will have hemorrhoids by age 50.
Many women get hemorrhoids during pregnancy and childbirth. The pressure of carrying a baby in your belly puts extra stress on the blood vessels in your pelvic area. Straining to push the baby out when giving birth also puts extra pressure on these blood vessels.
What causes hemorrhoids?
You may get hemorrhoids if you:
Who is at risk for hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are very common. Most people will have a hemorrhoid at some time in their life.
You are more likely to get hemorrhoids if you:
What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?
Each person’s symptoms may vary. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Hemorrhoid symptoms may look like other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider to be sure.
How are hemorrhoids diagnosed?
Having blood in your stool can also be a sign of other digestive disorders, such as colorectal cancer. It’s important to see your healthcare provider for a complete exam.
To see if you have hemorrhoids, your healthcare provider may do several tests including:
How are hemorrhoids treated?
Your healthcare provider will create a care plan for you based on:
The main goal of treatment is to reduce your symptoms. This may be done by:
Your healthcare provider may also suggest that you add more fiber and fluids to your diet to help soften your stools. Having softer stools means you don’t have to strain during bowel movements. This reduces the pressure on your hemorrhoids.
Adding more fiber to your diet means eating more:
Your healthcare provider may also suggest that you take stool softeners or fiber supplements.
In some cases, surgery is needed. There are several types of surgeries used to remove or reduce internal and external hemorrhoids. These include:
What are the complications of hemorrhoids?
In rare cases, hemorrhoids may cause other problems. These may include:
What can I do to prevent hemorrhoids?
It’s not always possible to stop hemorrhoids from happening. But you may reduce your risk of getting hemorrhoids if you:
When should I call my healthcare provider?
Call your healthcare provider if your symptoms get worse or if you have new symptoms. Also call if you see blood in your stool or on toilet paper for the first time, or if you see more blood than normal.
Key points about hemorrhoids
Source: John Hopkins Medicine.
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