Internal Hemorrhoids Explained
Internal hemorrhoids affect over half of the population by the age of 50, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
These swollen veins inside the rectum are not usually painful but can bring discomfort, especially during bathroom visits, leading to bleeding and other issues.
If you or a loved one suspects that you have internal hemorrhoids, It's important to understand them well to seek the right care when you need it most.
These swollen veins can be challenging to notice early, causing delays in treatment. They might pop out from the rectum and cause irritation or bleeding.
Understanding internal hemorrhoids and how they can be bothersome during bathroom trips is crucial to your overall health and well-being. So, learning about their nature, what triggers them, and how to manage them is vital for better treatment and improving life for those with internal hemorrhoids.
Continue reading to learn more about internal hemorrhoids and possible treatment options, including hemorrhoid embolization.
What are Internal Hemorrhoids?
Internal hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels located inside the rectum.
Unlike external hemorrhoids, which appear around the anal opening, these are not visible from the outside.
Internal hemorrhoids form when the veins in the rectal area become swollen due to increased pressure, often caused by straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation, or other factors.
These swollen veins can sometimes protrude outside the anus, causing discomfort, bleeding, itching, or a feeling of fullness or pain in the rectum.
While they're generally painless, they can lead to discomfort, especially during bowel movements, and might cause bleeding, making it essential to manage them effectively.
What Causes Internal Hemorrhoids?
Internal hemorrhoids develop when the veins in the rectum or anus become swollen or inflamed.
The primary causes include:
- Excessive straining while passing stools which can put pressure on the rectal veins.
- Irregular bowel movements, including chronic constipation or persistent diarrhea.
- Increased abdominal pressure during pregnancy and the strain of childbirth can cause hemorrhoids to develop or worsen.
- Obesity or excess weight
- Prolonged sitting or standing
- A family history of hemorrhoids or a genetic predisposition to weakened veins.
Do Internal Hemorrhoids Cause Pain?
No, internal hemorrhoids typically don't cause pain because the areas where they form lack many pain receptors. However, they can lead to discomfort, especially during bowel movements.
If internal hemorrhoids prolapse or protrude outside the anus, they might cause pain, particularly if they become thrombosed (when blood clots within the hemorrhoid). In such cases, individuals might feel sharp or severe pain. It's essential to seek medical advice to explore suitable treatment options if experiencing severe pain or discomfort.
Do Internal Hemorrhoids Cause Bleeding?
Yes, internal hemorrhoids can cause bleeding, which is one of the common symptoms associated with this condition.
Bleeding often occurs during bowel movements and presents as bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl.
The bleeding is typically painless and results from the irritation of the swollen veins in the rectum. While bleeding from internal hemorrhoids is usually not a cause for immediate concern, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional to rule out other potential causes and receive appropriate guidance on managing this symptom.
Persistent or excessive bleeding should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment.
Other Internal Hemorrhoids Symptoms
Apart from bleeding and discomfort during bowel movements, individuals with internal hemorrhoids might experience several other symptoms, including:
- Itching or irritation due to mucus discharge.
- A sense of fullness, discomfort, or mild pain within the rectum.
- Prolapse outside the anus, leading to discomfort and making them more noticeable.
- Swelling or a feeling of a lump in the anal region.
- Mucus discharge
Do Internal Hemorrhoids Go Away?
It’s possible.
Internal hemorrhoids have the potential to improve naturally with self-care methods and lifestyle adjustments. Minor cases may respond well to home remedies such as dietary changes, increased fiber intake, and maintaining proper hydration. While these measures can alleviate symptoms and prevent worsening, complete disappearance without intervention isn't guaranteed.
In some instances, internal hemorrhoids might persist or reoccur. Although they may diminish in size or become less bothersome, they often don't vanish entirely without specific treatment. Seeking medical advice from the Georgia Hemorrhoid Institute is suggested for persistent or severe cases.
How to Get Rid of Internal Hemorrhoids: Internal Hemorrhoids Treatment Options
Treating internal hemorrhoids involves several approaches aimed at easing symptoms and reducing discomfort.
Here are some common treatment options:
- Home Remedies: Simple measures like increasing fiber intake, staying hydrated, and adopting good bathroom habits can soften stools and ease bowel movements, reducing strain on the hemorrhoids.
- Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications: Using topical creams, ointments, or suppositories available at pharmacies can help alleviate itching, pain, and swelling associated with internal hemorrhoids.
- Sitz Baths: Soaking the anal area in warm water for about 10-15 minutes a few times a day can provide relief and promote healing.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Avoiding prolonged sitting, engaging in regular exercise, and practicing proper toilet habits (avoiding straining during bowel movements) can help manage and prevent exacerbation of internal hemorrhoids.
- Minimally-Invasive Procedures: Medical interventions such as rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, infrared coagulation, or hemorrhoid embolization might be recommended by healthcare providers for more severe or persistent cases. These procedures aim to shrink or eliminate internal hemorrhoids without the need for extensive surgery.
For personalized guidance and to determine the most suitable treatment option for you, it's essential to consult with a hemorrhoid specialist at Georgia Hemorrhoid Institute in Atlanta. We can assess the severity of the condition and recommend the best course of action tailored to individual needs. You can also read more about what are hemorrhoids.
Experience Internal Hemorrhoid Relief With Effective Treatment in Georgia
You don’t have to live with unrelenting hemorrhoid symptoms.
At the Georgia Hemorrhoid Institute in Atlanta, we specialize in providing effective and minimally-invasive care for internal hemorrhoids.
Our personalized approach ensures tailored treatment plans, prioritizing your comfort and relief without the need for invasive surgeries.
It’s time to regain comfort and address internal hemorrhoids effectively with our targeted and personalized care. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our treatment options, including the benefits of hemorrhoid embolization.
