Causes of and Treatment for Bleeding Internal Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are an irritating, painful, and common medical condition that many people suffer from. Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels and skin in or around the anus. Some types of hemorrhoids such as bleeding internal hemorrhoids occur inside the anus, while other types of hemorrhoids occur outside of the anus and usually cause intense itching burning and pain. Straining during a bowel movement and hard stools are the main causes of hemorrhoids although an individual's susceptibility can be hereditary. One of the first symptoms of hemorrhoids is blood in the stool and or on the toilet paper after wiping. The symptoms of bleeding internal hemorrhoids as well as external hemorrhoids can be quite irritating and shocking, but hemorrhoids are usually not serious and will clear up on their own or with over the counter medication, diet changes, and other non invasive therapy.

Bleeding internal hemorrhoids usually develop when hard stools scrape against inflamed or swollen veins inside the anus. There are many things that can cause or worsen hemorrhoids, and eliminating these factors can help to heal hemorrhoids and prevent them from reoccurring. Frequently straining during bowel movements and hard stools are the biggest contributors to hemorrhoids. Sitting for prolonged periods, especially on hard surfaces can also cause or worsen hemorrhoids. Being overweight or gaining weight rapidly can put a strain on your lower body and can also increase your risk for hemorrhoids, which is why hemorrhoids are a common complaint of pregnant women. Sometimes straining to lift heavy objects can also aggravate an existing hemorrhoid or in rare cases can even cause one.

The most common cause of blood in the stool are bleeding internal hemorrhoids, and while they are usually no cause for concern they can in rare cases cause more serious complications. If you notice the symptoms of bleeding internal hemorrhoids you can try adding more water and fiber to your diet if you have hard stools to allow them to heal more quickly. You can also use medicated ointments or wipes to alleviate other symptoms such as itching, burning, or pain. If your symptoms persist and do not respond to over the counter treatments or diet changes, you should consult a doctor.

Only the most serious cases of hemorrhoids will require medical help, but in some cases surgery or other medical procedures are the only ways to cure hemorrhoids. Most doctors will prescribe medications but if they are not effective then other treatments can be used. Ligation is a process where tiny rubber bands are wrapped around a protruding hemorrhoid and cut off the circulation causing the hemorrhoid to simply fall off. Sometimes a chemical can be injected directly into the swollen blood vessel which will cause the hemorrhoid to shrink. Laser surgery can also be used to heal bleeding internal hemorrhoid and is not too invasive of a procedure. A hemorrhoididectomy is the last procedure that many doctors will attempt if no other procedure works. This procedure surgically removes hemorrhoids and is very effective although not necessary for most people suffering from hemorrhoids.