Commonly known as piles, hemorrhoids are swollen veins inside the rectum or around the anus. They result from increased pressure inside the abdomen, commonly due to straining to defecate because of constipation or diarrhea, excess body weight, or pregnancy.
Hemorrhoids that occur inside the rectum may bleed, showing as bright red blood on the feces, toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl. Larger internal hemorrhoids may protrude out of the anus, typically after defecation, but often go back in by themselves or can be pushed back by hand. External hemorrhoids develop outside the anus. Both types can form itchy, tender, painful lumps.
Small hemorrhoids do not usually need treatment, and those due to pregnancy usually disappear after the birth. Lifestyle measures, such as a high-fiber diet, can prevent constipation, and over-the-counter hemorrhoid preparations can relieve symptoms.
More severe hemorrhoids may be treated by placing a tight band around the hemorrhoid, causing it to fall off, or by surgery