What do Hemorrhoids look like? It depends on the type of hemorrhoid. Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in and around the anus that stretch under pressure. They are similar to varicose veins in the legs. Some contributing factors that cause hemorrhoids are straining to move a bowel or sitting too long on the toilet and letting the hemorrhoid drop or push out. Other factors include heredity, aging, diet, lack of exercise, fresh air, chronic constipation, diarrhea and sitting to long in cars or at computers. They are either inside the anus (internal) or under the skin around the anus (external hemorrhoid).

Although many people have hemorrhoids not all experience symptoms. The most common symptoms of internal hemorrhoids is bright red blood covering the stool or inside the toilet or blood on the toilet paper after wiping.

However, an internal hemorrhoid may protrude through the anus outside the body making it more irritated and painful. This is known as a protruding hemorrhoid.

Symptoms of external hemorrhoids may include painful swelling or a hard lump around the anus that results when a blood clot forms. This condition is known as a thrombosed external hemorrhoid. In addition, excessive straining, rubbing or cleaning around the anus may cause irritation with bleeding and/or itching, which may produce a vicious cycle of symptoms. Draining of mucus may also be the cause of additional itching.

How common are hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoids are very common in both men and woman. More than half of the adult population will have hemorrhoids by age 50. Hemorrhoids are also common with pregnant woman when the pressure of the fetus on the abdomen, as well as hormonal changes cause the hemorrhoidal vessels to enlarge. These vessels are also placed under severe pressure during childbirth. For most woman, however, hemorrhoids caused by pregnancy are a temporary problem.