You may or may not be able to see hemorrhoids.
They may cause itching or bleeding, depending on the location.
Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments can often help with swelling and effectively manage hemorrhoids.
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Surgery may sometimes be needed to remove the swollen blood vessels.
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of hemorrhoids.
They have similar causes and treatments and are:
Hemorrhoids are a common condition.
About half of people 50 years and older will have hemorrhoids.
What Are Hemorrhoids?
Everything You Should Know
What Are the Symptoms of Hemorrhoids?
In most cases, the symptoms of hemorrhoids depend on their key in and location.
Most people find the symptoms mild and can often be treated with home remedies.
Another symptom is aprolapsed hemorrhoidthat dangles from the intestines and falls out of the anal opening.
A healthcare provider should check any blood in your poop or when you have a bowel movement.
What Causes Hemorrhoids?
Healthcare providers do not understand why some people get hemorrhoids, and others do not.
Your healthcare provider candiagnosehemorrhoids.
Some other serious medical conditions have similar symptoms and require medical care.
In many cases, home remedies are enough to manage hemorrhoids.
For some people, more invasive medical treatments are needed.
Some possible ways to help hemorrhoids go away include:
SeveralOTC medicationscan help treat hemorrhoids.
Always check with your provider to ensure these treatments are safe for you to use.
You may also need to follow up with them if your home remedies cause new or worsening symptoms.
A provider can often treat hemorrhoids at an outpatient center or hospital.
Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
Hemorrhoids are common during pregnancy.
Check with a provider to ensure any treatments chosen are safe for you and the baby.
If your hemorrhoids are painful,OTC treatmentsmay be helpful.
A sitz bath may help relieve discomfort in the anus and inflamed tissues.
You may find three to four sitz baths daily help you manage your symptoms.
Avoid sitting too long, whether on the toilet or a chair.
Walk around every hour or so.
Increasing your physical activity can help improve your bowel motility.
And consider changing positions when you have a bowel movement.
Some people find a squatting position more comfortable than a traditional sitting position.
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.Hemorrhoids.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition and facts of hemorrhoids.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of hemorrhoids.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Hemorrhoids.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Problems of the digestive system.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diagnosis of hemorrhoids.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment of hemorrhoids.
Office on Women’s Health.Body changes and discomforts.
Hardy A, Cohen C.The acute management of haemorrhoids.Ann R Coll Surg Engl.
2014;96(7):508-511. doi:10.1308/003588414X13946184900967
