Hemorrhoid Symptoms

Hemorrhoids are a common, painful, irritating, and uncomfortable condition that many of us experience. For some people, hemorrhoids can be a recurrent "pain in the butt."

The main signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids include:

• Bright red, painless rectal bleeding, especially after bowel movements
• A lump of tissue protruding from your anal area
• Itching or burning sensation in or around the anus
• Pain and pressure in the rectal area, sometimes feeling like the need for a bowel movement

Hemorrhoids may cause no symptoms (asymptomatic) especially if their location is above the anus, further in the rectum. The only symptoms you may have is bleeding on bowel movements or wiping after.

People who are pregnant, elderly, chronically constipated, strain during bowel movements, or who sit for prolonged periods of time are at higher risk for developing hemorrhoids.

There are many treatment options for hemorrhoids including over-the-counter, prescription, and surgical. Contact your doctor if you experience rectal bleeding or severe pain, or are unable to have a bowel movement, as this could be a symptom of another more severe problem.