Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus. They can cause varying levels of discomfort depending on their type and location. Understanding the specific sensations associated with different hemorrhoids helps in recognizing and addressing them.
Understanding Internal Hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels that form inside the rectum, above the dentate line. This anatomical location means they are typically not visible from the outside. The upper rectum has limited pain-sensing nerve endings, so internal hemorrhoids usually do not cause pain unless they become significantly irritated or protrude outside the anal opening. These swollen veins result from increased pressure in the rectal area, often due to factors like straining during bowel movements or chronic constipation.
The Sensation of Internal Hemorrhoids
While internal hemorrhoids generally do not cause pain, individuals may experience other sensations. A common indicator is painless bright red bleeding that occurs during or after a bowel movement, often seen on toilet paper, dripping into the toilet, or streaked on the stool itself. This bleeding occurs as the swollen veins are irritated by passing stool. Some individuals report a feeling of fullness, pressure, or a sense of incomplete bowel evacuation after a movement.
Other sensations can include itching or irritation around the anus, sometimes accompanied by mucus discharge. If an internal hemorrhoid enlarges and pushes through the anal opening, a condition known as prolapse, it can then cause discomfort or a feeling of a soft lump protruding from the anus. A prolapsed hemorrhoid can also lead to pain, particularly if it becomes thrombosed, meaning a blood clot forms within it.
Distinguishing Internal from External Hemorrhoids
The primary distinction between internal and external hemorrhoids lies in their location and resulting sensations. Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum with fewer pain receptors, making them painless unless prolapsed or thrombosed. External hemorrhoids, in contrast, form under the skin around the anal opening, an area rich in pain-sensing nerves. This makes external hemorrhoids more likely to cause pain, discomfort, itching, or irritation, especially when sitting or during bowel movements. They are visible or palpable as a lump outside the anus and can become painful if a blood clot forms within them, appearing as a hard, discolored lump.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Consult a healthcare professional if you experience persistent or worsening hemorrhoid symptoms. Any rectal bleeding, even if painless, warrants medical evaluation to rule out more serious underlying conditions, such as colon or anal cancer. Seek advice if home treatments do not provide relief after about a week, or if symptoms like pain, itching, or discomfort worsen.
Pain, a sudden prominent lump, or signs of infection such as fever or pus leakage, require prompt medical attention. A doctor can accurately diagnose the type and severity of hemorrhoids and recommend appropriate management options, ensuring symptoms are properly addressed and potential complications avoided.