Oak Valley Health’s patient education pages share the skills, knowledge, and habits patients and families need to know to cope with a daily health issue. We hope this information can influence patient behaviour to improve health outcomes and provide you with a sense of control and autonomy.
Learn more about the risks, causes, and treatment of hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that can form in the rectum (internal hemorrhoids) or around the anus (external hemorrhoids). Hemorrhoids can cause pain, itching, and bleeding. Most of the time, they do not cause major issues. They usually are managed with dietary and lifestyle changes, as well as other home remedies.
Constipation
Straining to poop
Diarrhea
Pregnancy
Obesity
Sitting for a long duration
Heavy lifting or other activity that causes strain
Anal sex
Riding a bike for a long period of time
Obese or overweight
Constantly having constipation (difficulty passing stool)
Are 50 years of age or older
Pain
Itching or pain in the buttocks
The buttocks are bleeding
Leaking stool
One or more lumps around your buttock opening
Injecting medicine into the hemorrhoids to cause them to shrink
Applying a type of light energy to the hemorrhoids, causing them to fall off
Surgically removing the hemorrhoids or cutting off their blood supply
Have pain and swelling that does not improve with treatment or medication
You have trouble pooping
Have pain or swelling in areas other than the hemorrhoids
