Hemorrhoids are a common condition involving the swelling of veins in the lower rectum and anus, similar to varicose veins. This swelling occurs when increased pressure, often from straining during bowel movements or pregnancy, causes these blood vessels to bulge. The discomfort, itching, and pain might lead a person to consider physically manipulating the area for relief. However, attempting to squeeze, pop, or rupture a hemorrhoid is highly discouraged and introduces severe, immediate risks.
Immediate Physical Harm from Manipulation
Applying direct pressure to a hemorrhoid causes immediate mechanical damage to the already weakened vein wall. Hemorrhoids are essentially blood vessels, and rupturing them creates an open wound in the perianal area. This trauma leads to profuse, bright red bleeding as the delicate vessel is torn.
The physical act of squeezing also dramatically increases localized inflammation and swelling. This exacerbates the underlying condition, causing sharp, acute pain. Causing deliberate trauma to this highly sensitive tissue prolongs recovery and makes simple actions like sitting or walking intensely painful.
Severe Medical Risks: Infection and Clotting
Beyond the immediate pain and bleeding, manipulating a hemorrhoid introduces serious medical risks, including the development of a blood clot or a severe infection. Trauma to hemorrhoids can lead to thrombosis, a painful condition where blood pools and clots within the external hemorrhoid, forming a hard, discolored lump near the anus.
A thrombosed hemorrhoid results in sudden, excruciating pain that is significantly worse than a standard hemorrhoid. While not life-threatening, the clot causes substantial pressure and swelling, often requiring medical intervention for relief.
The anal area is inherently contaminated with bacteria from the digestive tract, meaning any tear or open wound caused by squeezing is highly vulnerable to bacterial infiltration. This can lead to a localized infection, such as a perianal abscess or cellulitis. An abscess is a painful collection of pus that requires surgical drainage. Symptoms of an infection, including fever, chills, and pus discharge, necessitate prompt medical attention.
Safe Methods for Symptom Relief
Instead of resorting to manipulation, individuals should focus on non-invasive, gentle methods to manage pain and reduce swelling.
Soaking the affected area in a warm bath, known as a sitz bath, for about 10 to 20 minutes several times a day can significantly relieve discomfort. The warm water increases blood flow and helps relax the anal sphincter muscles, which can reduce inflammation.
Over-the-counter topical treatments are also effective for symptom management. Products containing witch hazel can be dabbed onto the area to help reduce itching and swelling. Creams or suppositories that contain hydrocortisone or a local anesthetic can offer temporary relief from pain and burning.
Lifestyle adjustments play a major part in preventing further irritation. Increasing dietary fiber intake to 30 to 35 grams daily, combined with adequate fluid intake, helps soften stools and prevents straining during bowel movements. Taking simple pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can also manage general discomfort and inflammation.
Identifying Warning Signs for Medical Intervention
While many hemorrhoids resolve with home care, certain symptoms signal that the condition requires professional medical assessment. Persistent or excessive rectal bleeding should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out other serious causes of bleeding. Bleeding that is heavy, continuous, or accompanied by signs of shock, such as lightheadedness or weakness, constitutes a medical emergency.
Signs of infection, including a high temperature, chills, or the discharge of pus from the anal area, demand immediate attention. Similarly, severe, unrelenting pain, especially if it develops suddenly and is associated with a hard, painful lump, suggests a thrombosed hemorrhoid. If home treatments fail to provide relief, or if symptoms persist without improvement for more than seven days, a doctor should be consulted for a proper diagnosis and specialized treatment.