Hemorrhoids are swollen veins located in the rectum or around the anus. These enlarged blood vessels can cause a variety of uncomfortable sensations.
Common Sensations
A common sensation associated with hemorrhoids is itching around the anal area. Discomfort can range from a mild annoyance to a more significant bother, especially when sitting or during bowel movements.
Pain is another common sensation, varying in intensity from a dull ache to sharp discomfort. This pain can worsen significantly during or after a bowel movement due to the strain and movement of the affected area. Prolonged sitting can also exacerbate the pain, making even simple tasks difficult.
Many individuals also report feeling a palpable lump or bulge near the anus. This physical presence can contribute to a sensation of pressure or fullness in the anal canal. While not a direct feeling, bright red bleeding is a common symptom, typically observed on toilet paper after wiping or in the toilet bowl. This bleeding is usually painless, but its appearance can be alarming.
How Sensations Differ by Type
The sensations experienced with hemorrhoids depend on their location. Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum. This area has very few pain-sensing nerves, so these hemorrhoids often cause little to no pain or direct sensation. The primary indicator of internal hemorrhoids is painless bleeding, often bright red and noticed during or after a bowel movement.
When an internal hemorrhoid prolapses, pushing outside the anus, it might cause a feeling of fullness or a soft lump. While uncomfortable, this prolapse usually does not result in sharp pain. The sensation is more akin to a bulge that may or may not be gently pushed back inside.
External hemorrhoids, on the other hand, form under the skin around the anus, an area rich in pain-sensing nerves. These hemorrhoids are more likely to cause significant pain, along with itching and swelling. They often feel like a tender, firm lump that can be easily felt by touch. If a blood clot forms inside an external hemorrhoid, a condition known as a thrombosed external hemorrhoid, the pain can become acute and severe. This typically presents as a very tender, hard lump that develops rapidly and causes intense discomfort.
When to Seek Medical Attention
It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional if you experience persistent bleeding, especially if the blood is dark red or black, or if it is accompanied by dizziness or fainting. Any severe pain that is debilitating or rapidly worsens warrants medical evaluation. These symptoms could indicate a more serious condition requiring prompt attention.
If your hemorrhoid symptoms do not improve after a few days to a week of using home remedies, it is time to seek professional advice. A prolapsed hemorrhoid that cannot be gently pushed back inside also requires medical assessment. Additionally, any new or unusual symptoms such as abdominal pain, significant changes in bowel habits, or a fever should prompt a visit to your doctor.