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What are Bleeding Hemorrhoids?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Bleeding hemorrhoids are inflamed veins in the anal and rectal areas that have become so swollen and irritated that they begin to seep blood. Considered to be more serious than other forms of hemorrhoids, the bleeding variety is more susceptible to infection and often more painful. There is also much less chance of hemorrhoids of this type clearing up on their own.

There are several reasons why bleeding hemorrhoids may occur. One has to do with the strength of the veins themselves. Weaker veins can collapse due to straining that may occur when constipation is present. This additional pressure can cause one of more of the veins to rupture, allowing blood to leak from the anus or to mix with stool as it passes out of the body.

Bleeding internal or external hemorrhoids might require surgery.
Bleeding internal or external hemorrhoids might require surgery.

Women who are prone to develop hemorrhoids from time to time may find that they experience bleeding hemorrhoids during pregnancy. The additional strain on the pelvic area may generate enough additional pressure while sitting or attempting to void the system that the veins rupture. This leads to the appearance of blood in the stool.

While bleeding hemorrhoids can happen to people of all ages, there is some evidence that the potential for developing this type of health issue increases with age. Some believe this is due to the natural changes that occur in the strength of tissue and veins as an individual grows older. Others believe that the apparent increase of bleeding hemorrhoids in older people has more to do with activity levels and dietary habits.

An inflatable doughnut pillow can relieve pain associated with sitting down while having a hemorrhoid.
An inflatable doughnut pillow can relieve pain associated with sitting down while having a hemorrhoid.

In terms of hemorrhoid pain, it is not unusual for bleeding hemorrhoids to be more painful than veins that are inflamed and swollen, but do not actually rupture. Because of the ruptures, many of the over-the-counter and home remedies that are effective with hemorrhoids in general may not be appropriate when bleeding is present. The best option is to see a doctor immediately if blood begins to appear in the stool or on the toilet paper.

The overuse of laxatives by a person with an eating disorder may cause hemorrhoids.
The overuse of laxatives by a person with an eating disorder may cause hemorrhoids.

Bleeding hemorrhoid treatment usually comes in the form of surgery. The exact nature of the surgery will depend on whether the problem involves internal or external hemorrhoids, or a combination of the two. Procedures designed to help ease the swelling while also repairing the ruptures are effective, but often quite painful in their own right. The recovery period may be almost as painful as the hemorrhoids were previously. However, surgery does facilitate the healing and also reduces the chance of infection due to bacteria.

Treating constipation problems can help relieve hemorrhoids over time.
Treating constipation problems can help relieve hemorrhoids over time.

Some methods used to treat a prolapsed hemorrhoid may also be effective with a bleeding hemorrhoid. A stapling procedure can be employed that will help to close the lesions, prevent infection, and gradually allow the swelling to respond to medicated creams and ointments that are applied directly. This approach can be used when the bleeding hemorrhoids are not considered severe enough to merit more aggressive surgical procedures.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon304294

I have internal and external hemorrhoids that bleed even if I just urinate. Is surgery the normal course of action to repair the problem? Are you sedated or do they just use a local? I do not want to be awake when the procedure is done. What is the normal recovery time?

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    • Bleeding internal or external hemorrhoids might require surgery.
      By: Alila Medical Media
      Bleeding internal or external hemorrhoids might require surgery.
    • An inflatable doughnut pillow can relieve pain associated with sitting down while having a hemorrhoid.
      By: Kitch Bain
      An inflatable doughnut pillow can relieve pain associated with sitting down while having a hemorrhoid.
    • The overuse of laxatives by a person with an eating disorder may cause hemorrhoids.
      By: Sylvie Bouchard
      The overuse of laxatives by a person with an eating disorder may cause hemorrhoids.
    • Treating constipation problems can help relieve hemorrhoids over time.
      By: Ljupco Smokovski
      Treating constipation problems can help relieve hemorrhoids over time.
    • Performing gentle exercising during pregnancy may help prevent hemorrhoids.
      By: evgenyatamanenko
      Performing gentle exercising during pregnancy may help prevent hemorrhoids.
    • Increased straining during defecation may cause hemorrhoids.
      By: eyeQ
      Increased straining during defecation may cause hemorrhoids.
    • Pregnant women commonly experience bleeding hemorrhoids.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Pregnant women commonly experience bleeding hemorrhoids.