Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in and around the anus and rectum. Many people are not aware that they have hemorrhoids until they bleed, become uncomfortable, or start causing pain. A small number of these people may require surgical treatment. However, people can usually treat hemorrhoids at home. In this article, we cover the symptoms of bleeding hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids and what to do about them - Harvard Health
The first thing most people worry about when they have minor rectal bleeding is that they have a cancer. Of course, colon cancer is what I worry most about, too. Advertising Policy Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission.
Minor rectal bleeding refers to the passage of a few drops of bright red fresh blood from the rectum, which may appear on the stool, on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl. This brochure addresses minor rectal bleeding that occurs from time to time. Continuous passage of significantly greater amounts of blood from the rectum or stools that appear black, tarry or maroon in color can be caused by other diseases that will not be discussed here.
Hemorrhoids are usually caused by increased pressure due to pregnancy, being overweight, or straining during bowel movements. By midlife, hemorrhoids often become an ongoing complaint. By age 50, about half the population has experienced one or more of the classic symptoms, which include rectal pain, itching, bleeding, and possibly prolapse hemorrhoids that protrude through the anal canal. Although hemorrhoids are rarely dangerous, they can be a recurrent and painful intrusion. Fortunately, there's a lot we can do about hemorrhoids.