Does bleeding after defecation followed by a feeling of discomfort in the anus indicate internal hemorrhoids?

Written by Wu Hai Wu

Gastroenterology

Updated on February 01, 2025

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Bleeding after bowel movements followed by discomfort in the anus may be due to internal hemorrhoids, but could also indicate ulcerative proctitis, rectal cancer, or infections around the anus. To confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct a thorough examination with a digital colonoscopy. Based on the results of the colonoscopy, appropriate treatment measures can be taken. If the symptoms are caused by internal hemorrhoids, surgical treatment may be considered. For diseases like ulcerative colitis, treatment with salicylate preparations may also be used.

Other Voices

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Written by Deng Heng

Colorectal Surgery

54sec

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Is bleeding from internal hemorrhoids serious?

Bleeding from internal hemorrhoids, also known as rectal bleeding, is a common primary symptom in patients with internal hemorrhoids. Although the bleeding from internal hemorrhoids is painless and not itchy, it occurs during bowel movements and can be either a trickle or a spray of blood. Although the amount of bleeding might not be large and may subside naturally, in clinical practice, we have seen a minority of patients with long-term chronic bleeding leading to severe anemia. For example, the normal hemoglobin level in adults should be 120g/L, but at the time of consultation, their hemoglobin has dropped to 30, 40, or 50g/L. Treatment then requires an initial blood transfusion followed by surgery, which can be quite complicated. Therefore, bleeding from internal hemorrhoids should be taken seriously.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao

Colorectal Surgery

1min 23sec

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Can internal hemorrhoids be treated with wet compresses?

After prolapse of internal hemorrhoids, moist compresses can be applied, but the therapeutic effect of moist compresses is not significant. The prolapse of internal hemorrhoids mainly occurs when the anal cushion pathologically enlarges and shifts downward, leading to the prolapse. If the prolapsed hemorrhoids cannot be retracted back into the anus, this can lead to incarcerated edema, causing swelling and pain around the anus. If the incarceration lasts too long, it can induce local thrombosis or even necrosis. In such cases, it is recommended to opt for surgical treatment as soon as possible. Common surgical methods include internal hemorrhoid ligation, internal hemorrhoid excision, PPH (Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids), or TST (Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization). After surgery, it is advisable to use anal washes or potassium permanganate solutions for sitz baths, and then apply topical treatments such as hemorrhoid creams, red oil gauze strips, and yellow ointments to promote postoperative recovery. Moreover, patients should develop good bowel habits after surgery to maintain smooth bowel movements, which further aids recovery. (Under the guidance of a doctor for medication use)

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Written by Yu Xu Chao

Colorectal Surgery

1min 5sec

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Can warm water sitz baths improve internal hemorrhoids that have prolapsed?

Warm sitz baths for prolapsed internal hemorrhoids can improve anal heaviness to some extent, and prevent inflammatory edema caused by the prolapse. They can also help prevent further worsening of prolapsed hemorrhoids, as warm sitz baths promote circulation around the anal area, relieve heaviness, and can somewhat reduce the prolapse, but they cannot completely cure it. Prolapsed internal hemorrhoids are caused by pathological hypertrophy and descent of the anal cushions, representing an organic lesion. Simple conservative medical treatment can only prevent the hemorrhoids from worsening, but cannot fully cure them. For prolapsed internal hemorrhoids that can be manually reduced, conservative treatment is generally recommended. Regular smooth bowel movements should be maintained, long duration of defecation should be avoided, and frequent anal sphincter exercises should be performed. However, for prolapsed hemorrhoids that cannot be reduced, or those that develop incarceration with edema or thrombosis, surgical treatment is recommended.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing

Colorectal Surgery

56sec

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How is internal hemorrhoids treated? Is there a way?

There are many treatment methods for internal hemorrhoids, the most common being medication. If the internal hemorrhoids repeatedly prolapse or bleed significantly, direct surgical removal can also be considered. Conservative treatments primarily involve the local use of hemorrhoid suppositories, combined with oral hemostatic and anti-swelling traditional Chinese medicine. If surgical criteria are met, direct surgical removal can be performed. Surgical methods mainly include injection of sclerosing agents into the mucosa of internal hemorrhoids, internal hemorrhoid banding, and internal hemorrhoid ligation and excision. To prevent recurrence after surgery, patients should maintain good dietary and bowel habits postoperatively, avoid overly spicy and stimulating foods, and try to keep bowel movements under ten minutes without straining excessively.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao

Colorectal Surgery

1min 11sec

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How long does it take for internal hemorrhoids to reposition after being pushed back in?

This situation mainly depends on how much the internal hemorrhoids have prolapsed and the severity of the prolapse. If the internal hemorrhoids can be pushed back in after prolapsing, it generally takes half an hour to an hour to reposition them. However, if the patient overexerts themselves or strains during coughing or defecation, the internal hemorrhoids may prolapse again. For patients whose internal hemorrhoids repeatedly prolapse, it is advisable to consider surgical treatment as soon as possible. Because repeated prolapse of internal hemorrhoids can lead to further pathological hypertrophy and descent of the anal cushion, in such cases of organic lesions, simple repositioning cannot solve the problem. It may even cause the prolapse to become larger over time and lead to complications like incarcerated edema, resulting in local thrombosis, swelling, and anal pain. Therefore, for patients with repeated prolapse, it is recommended to visit the hospital's colorectal surgery department for surgical treatment as soon as possible, such as internal hemorrhoid ligation, TST, and other surgical methods.