Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lowest part of the rectum and anus. They form when increased pressure in the lower rectum pushes blood vessels outward, causing them to bulge and stretch. You do not have to live with the discomfort—most cases improve with simple changes to diet, bathroom habits, and daily movement.
How Does Hemorrhoids Form?
Everyone has hemorrhoidal tissue. It is a normal cluster of blood vessels, muscle, and elastic fibers that helps you control bowel movements. Problems start when these vessels swell.
The swelling happens because of pressure. When you strain on the toilet, sit for long periods, or pass hard stool, the pressure inside the lower rectum rises. That pressure pushes blood into the veins faster than it can drain. The veins stretch and balloon out, much like varicose veins in the legs.
Over time, repeated pressure weakens the supporting tissue. The vein walls lose their elasticity and stay stretched. That is the point where hemorrhoids become a problem rather than a normal part of anatomy.
What Are the Main Causes of Hemorrhoids?
Several everyday habits and conditions increase the pressure that causes hemorrhoids. Constipation is the most common trigger. Straining to pass hard stool creates direct downward pressure on the anal veins.
Other common causes include:
- Prolonged sitting on the toilet, especially while reading or using a phone
- Chronic diarrhea, which irritates the anal area
- Pregnancy, as the growing uterus presses on pelvic veins
- Heavy lifting that involves holding your breath and bearing down
- Obesity, which adds constant pressure to the pelvic floor
- A low-fiber diet that leads to hard, difficult stools
Age also matters. The tissues supporting the anal veins naturally weaken as you get older. This is why hemorrhoids become more common after age 45.
What Do Hemorrhoids Feel Like?
Symptoms depend on where the hemorrhoid forms. Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum. They often cause painless bleeding during bowel movements. You may notice bright red blood on toilet paper or in the bowl.
External hemorrhoids form under the skin around the anus. These are more likely to itch, burn, or hurt. A hard, tender lump may appear if a blood clot forms inside an external hemorrhoid. This is called a thrombosed hemorrhoid, and it can be quite painful.
Prolapsed hemorrhoids occur when an internal hemorrhoid stretches so far that it pushes outside the anus. You may feel a bulge that does not go back in on its own. This is more common with advanced or untreated hemorrhoids.
What Can You Do to Treat Hemorrhoids at Home?
Most hemorrhoids improve with simple measures within a few days. The goal is to soften stool and reduce pressure on the anal area.
Increase your fiber intake gradually. Aim for 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Fiber softens stool and makes it easier to pass. If you increase fiber quickly, you may feel bloated, so add it slowly over a week or two.
Drink plenty of water. Fiber only works if you have enough fluid to keep stool soft. Most adults need about 8 to 10 cups of fluid daily, though exact needs vary.
Change how you sit on the toilet. Do not strain. Give yourself time to feel the urge before sitting down. When you are on the toilet, keep your feet on a small stool so your knees are higher than your hips. This position straightens the rectum and makes bowel movements easier.
Use a sitz bath. Soaking the anal area in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes two to three times a day can reduce itching and discomfort. Plain warm water is all you need. Soap or bath additives can irritate the skin.
Over-the-counter creams and suppositories containing hydrocortisone can temporarily relieve itching and swelling. Do not use them for more than a week without talking to a doctor. Prolonged use can thin the skin.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Bleeding from the rectum is not always hemorrhoids. Other conditions, including more serious ones, can cause similar symptoms. See a doctor if you have rectal bleeding that is heavy, lasts more than a few days, or is accompanied by a change in bowel habits.
You should also seek medical advice if a hemorrhoid causes severe pain, does not improve after a week of home treatment, or returns frequently. A doctor can confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes.
Sudden, severe pain with a hard lump at the anal opening may indicate a thrombosed hemorrhoid. Some of these resolve on their own, but others need minor office treatment to relieve pain quickly.
What Medical Treatments Are Available?
When home treatment is not enough, several office-based procedures can help. These are typically quick and do not require general anesthesia.
Rubber band ligation is the most common procedure for internal hemorrhoids. A doctor places a small band around the base of the hemorrhoid, cutting off its blood supply. It shrinks and falls off within a few days.
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a chemical solution into the hemorrhoid to shrink it. This is often used for smaller internal hemorrhoids.
Infrared coagulation uses heat to create scar tissue that cuts off blood flow to the hemorrhoid. It works best for mild to moderate internal hemorrhoids.
Surgery is reserved for severe cases, large prolapsed hemorrhoids, or when other treatments fail. A hemorrhoidectomy removes the hemorrhoid tissue entirely. Recovery takes one to two weeks and can be painful, but recurrence rates are lower than with other procedures.
How Can You Prevent Hemorrhoids From Coming Back?
Prevention focuses on the same principles as treatment: keep stool soft and avoid straining. Consistency matters more than perfection.
Stay physically active. Regular walking or other moderate exercise helps keep the digestive system moving. It also reduces the time you spend sitting, which lowers pressure on the anal veins.
Do not delay bowel movements. When you feel the urge, go. Waiting makes stool harder and drier, which increases straining.
Limit time on the toilet. Two to three minutes is plenty for most bowel movements. If nothing happens, get up and try again later. Prolonged sitting on the toilet is one of the most overlooked risk factors.
Maintain a healthy weight if you can. Excess abdominal weight increases pressure on the pelvic floor. Weight loss, even modest, can reduce the frequency of hemorrhoid flare-ups.
Do Hemorrhoids Go Away on Their Own?
Mild hemorrhoids often improve without treatment. The swelling may go down within a few days, especially if you address the underlying cause like constipation.
But the underlying vein weakness does not disappear. Hemorrhoids can return when pressure increases again. This is why long-term prevention matters more than quick fixes.
Some hemorrhoids do not go away on their own. Large prolapsed hemorrhoids or those that repeatedly bleed may need medical treatment. Ignoring persistent symptoms does not make them better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hemorrhoids turn into cancer?
No, hemorrhoids do not turn into cancer. However, rectal bleeding can be a symptom of colorectal cancer, so any persistent bleeding should be evaluated by a doctor.
How long do hemorrhoids last?
Mild hemorrhoids often improve within a few days to a week with home care. Larger or thrombosed hemorrhoids can take several weeks to fully resolve.
Is it safe to push a prolapsed hemorrhoid back in?
Some people gently push a prolapsed hemorrhoid back inside with a clean, lubricated finger, but this is not always effective. If you cannot reduce it or it causes significant pain, seek medical care.
Can sitting on a cold surface cause hemorrhoids?
No, cold surfaces do not cause hemorrhoids. Pressure from prolonged sitting can contribute, but the temperature of the surface is not a factor.
