Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen, enlarged veins that form inside and outside of your anus and rectum. They can be painful and uncomfortable and cause rectal bleeding. Hemorrhoids are also called piles. We’re all born with hemorrhoids, but at baseline, they don’t bother us. It’s only when they become swollen and enlarged that they produce irritating symptoms.

How common are hemorrhoids?

An estimated 1 in 20 Americans has symptomatic hemorrhoids. They affect people of all ages, sexes, races and ethnicities. They’re more common as you age, affecting more than half of people over age 50.

Who might get hemorrhoids?

Anyone can get symptomatic hemorrhoids, even teenagers. (But because hemorrhoids take a while to develop, they’re uncommon in children.) You may be more at risk if you:

• Have overweight/obesity.
• Are pregnant.
• Eat a low-fiber diet.
• Have chronic constipation or diarrhea.
• Regularly lift heavy objects.
• Spend a lot of time sitting on the toilet.
• Strain while having bowel movements.

What are the types of hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids can happen inside or outside of your rectum. The type depends on where the swollen vein develops. Types include:

• External: Swollen veins form underneath the skin around your anus. Your anus is the canal where your poop comes out. External hemorrhoids can be itchy and painful. Occasionally, they bleed. Sometimes, they fill with blood that can clot. This isn’t dangerous, but can result in pain and swelling.
• Internal: Swollen veins form inside your rectum. Your rectum is the part of your digestive system that connects your colon (large intestine) to your anus. Internal hemorrhoids may bleed, but they usually aren’t painful.
• Prolapsed: Both internal and external hemorrhoids can prolapse, meaning they stretch and bulge outside of your anus. These hemorrhoids may bleed or cause pain.

What’s the difference between hemorrhoids and anal fissures?

Hemorrhoids and anal fissures cause similar symptoms, such as itching, pain and bleeding. While swollen veins cause hemorrhoids, a tear in the lining of your anus causes an anal fissure. A healthcare provider will do a physical exam and may order tests to find what’s causing your symptoms.