What Are Hemorrhoids? Why Your Body Is Hurting & Medically Approved Next Steps

If you're dealing with pain, itching, swelling, or bleeding during bowel movements, you may be wondering: what are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are extremely common. In fact, most adults will experience them at some point in their lives. While they can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful, they are usually not dangerous. That said, certain symptoms should never be ignored.

This guide explains what hemorrhoids are, why they cause pain, and what medically approved steps you can take next.

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What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins in the lower rectum and anus. They're similar to varicose veins, but they occur in a very sensitive area of the body.

Everyone has hemorrhoidal tissue. These veins help control bowel movements. Problems develop when the veins become enlarged, irritated, or inflamed due to pressure.

There are two main types:

1. Internal Hemorrhoids

• Located inside the rectum
• Usually painless
• May cause bright red bleeding during bowel movements
• Sometimes protrude (prolapse) outside the anus

2. External Hemorrhoids

• Located under the skin around the anus
• Can cause pain, itching, and swelling
• May form a painful clot (called a thrombosed hemorrhoid)

Understanding the type of hemorrhoid helps determine the best treatment.

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Why Do Hemorrhoids Happen?

Hemorrhoids develop when there is increased pressure on the veins in the lower rectum. Common causes include:

• Straining during bowel movements
• Chronic constipation
• Chronic diarrhea
• Sitting on the toilet for long periods
• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Low-fiber diet
• Heavy lifting

As we age, the tissues supporting the rectal veins can weaken, which also increases risk.

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Why Does It Hurt?

If you're asking, "Why is my body hurting?", here's what's happening:

• Swelling and inflammation irritate nearby nerves.
• The anal area has many nerve endings, making it sensitive.
• External hemorrhoids can become especially painful if a blood clot forms.
• Straining worsens inflammation and slows healing.

Pain may feel like:

• Sharp or throbbing discomfort
• Burning or itching
• Pressure or fullness in the rectum
• Pain while sitting

Internal hemorrhoids typically do not hurt unless they prolapse or become thrombosed.

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Common Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

Symptoms vary depending on the type, but may include:

• Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet
• Itching or irritation around the anus
• Swelling or a lump near the anus
• Pain or discomfort
• Mucus discharge
• Feeling like you haven't completely emptied your bowels

Mild bleeding from hemorrhoids is common. However, rectal bleeding should never be automatically assumed to be hemorrhoids. Other conditions — including colorectal cancer — can also cause bleeding.

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When Is It Something More Serious?

Most hemorrhoids improve with conservative treatment. However, seek medical attention if you have:

• Heavy or persistent bleeding
• Black or tarry stools
• Severe abdominal pain
• Dizziness or fainting
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fever
• Symptoms that don't improve after a week of home care

These could signal a more serious condition. If symptoms feel severe or unusual, speak to a doctor right away.

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Medically Approved Next Steps

The good news: most hemorrhoids can be treated without surgery.

1. Increase Fiber Intake

Fiber softens stool and reduces straining.

Aim for:

• 25–38 grams of fiber daily

Sources include:

• Fruits (berries, pears, apples)
• Vegetables (broccoli, carrots, leafy greens)
• Whole grains
• Beans and legumes

A fiber supplement may help if diet changes aren't enough.

2. Drink More Water

Hydration prevents constipation.
Most adults need about 8–10 cups of water per day, depending on body size and activity level.

3. Avoid Straining

• Don't force bowel movements.
• Go when you feel the urge.
• Limit toilet time to 5–10 minutes.

4. Use Warm Sitz Baths

Sitting in warm water for 10–15 minutes:

• Reduces swelling
• Improves blood flow
• Relieves discomfort

You can do this several times a day.

5. Over-the-Counter Treatments

Short-term use of:

• Hydrocortisone creams
• Witch hazel pads
• Lidocaine products

These reduce itching and inflammation. Avoid long-term steroid use without medical supervision.

6. Cold Compresses

Applying an ice pack (wrapped in cloth) for 10–15 minutes can reduce swelling.

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What If Home Treatment Doesn't Work?

If symptoms persist, a doctor may recommend office-based procedures such as:

• Rubber band ligation (cuts off blood supply to the hemorrhoid)
• Sclerotherapy (injects solution to shrink it)
• Infrared coagulation (uses heat to shrink tissue)

In severe or recurrent cases, surgical removal (hemorrhoidectomy) may be necessary. Surgery is usually reserved for large, painful, or prolapsed hemorrhoids that do not respond to other treatments.

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Pregnancy and Hemorrhoids

Pregnancy increases pressure on pelvic veins and slows digestion. Hemorrhoids are common during the third trimester and after delivery.

Most pregnancy-related hemorrhoids improve after childbirth. Safe treatments include:

• Fiber
• Fluids
• Sitz baths
• Gentle topical treatments (with medical approval)

Always speak to a healthcare provider before using medications during pregnancy.

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Preventing Hemorrhoids

Prevention focuses on reducing pressure in the rectal area.

Daily habits that help:

• Eat a high-fiber diet
• Stay hydrated
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid sitting for long periods
• Don't delay bowel movements
• Maintain a healthy weight

Small changes can significantly reduce recurrence.

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Not Sure If It's Hemorrhoids?

Because symptoms like bleeding or rectal pain can overlap with other conditions, understanding what's causing your discomfort is important. You can use a free AI-powered hemorrhoid symptom checker to help identify whether your symptoms match hemorrhoids or may point to something else requiring different care. While an online tool cannot replace professional medical advice, it can provide clarity and help you decide your next steps with confidence.

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The Bottom Line: What Are Hemorrhoids?

To summarize:

• What are hemorrhoids? They are swollen veins in the rectum or anus caused by increased pressure.
• They are common and often manageable.
• Symptoms include bleeding, pain, itching, and swelling.
• Most cases improve with fiber, hydration, and simple treatments.
• Persistent or severe symptoms require medical evaluation.

Hemorrhoids are uncomfortable — but they are treatable. The key is not to ignore symptoms, especially bleeding.

If you experience ongoing pain, significant bleeding, or symptoms that worry you, speak to a doctor promptly. Some conditions that mimic hemorrhoids can be serious or even life-threatening if left untreated.

Taking action early protects your health and gives you peace of mind.

You don't have to suffer in silence — and you don't have to guess.