What Are Hemorrhoids?
Before we delve into the discussion on bleeding hemorrhoids, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamental understanding of hemorrhoids as a condition.
In short, hemorrhoids are veins in the anal canal that become swollen.
To help with controlling bowel movements, the tissue inside the anus fills with blood. Often if there’s straining involved to move stool, the increase in pressure may cause the veins in the tissue to become swollen and to stretch.
When this happens it can lead to hemorrhoids. When the veins swell on the inside of the anal canal, the result is internal hemorrhoids. When the veins swell on the outer opening of the anus, they’re called, external hemorrhoids. It’s possible to have both internal and external hemorrhoids at once.
Once hemorrhoids occur, it’s also possible that they may become bleeding hemorrhoids.
What are bleeding hemroids?
Hemorrhoids bleeding is actually a common occurrence. For signs and symptoms of bleeding hemorrhoids, please see our bleeding hemorrhoids symptoms section.
While some hemorrhoids clear up on their own, there are other types that may become more serious. While it’s rare, some hemorrhoids may even need emergency surgery. These hemorrhiods are called strangulated hemorrhoids.
Bleeding internal hemorrhoids should be evaluated by a physician. Rectal bleeding can be a sign of very serious conditions so it’s important to be sure what the source of the bleeding is.
Also, once diagnosed, it’s sometimes necessary to involve medical intervention to stop bleeding hemorrhoids.  There are several types of medical bleeding hemorrhoids treatment and your doctor will help you decide which one is best for your situation.
Usually, if you’re under the age of 50 and the bleeding is minimal and only occurs during bowel movements (bright red blood spotting on toilet paper) it’s okay to wait a week and attempt some home treatments before seeing your doctor. Our bleeding hemorrhoid treatment section will give you some of the more common at home treatments.
Again, only do this if you’re fairly positive the blood is being released from hemorrhoids.
If you’ve attempted some of the at-home bleeding hemorrhoids treatment options available and even if you are sure the source of bleeding is from hemorrhoids, if a week has passed and the bleeding has not subsided, please check with your physician. It may be necessary to have the hemorrhoids checked and graded and to get medical advice so that you can begin recommended bleeding hemorrhoid treatment.
Once the hemorrhoids have been repaired, and since lifestyle and some habits may have an effect on hemorrhoids, it’s important to try to make the changes that may help your prevent further problems. For advice on how to prevent hemorroids please read here for hemorrhoid prevention tips.
