Do hemorrhoids bleed and hurt?

Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
Updated on September 29, 2024
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Simple hemorrhoids bleeding generally has no pain symptoms. Pain only occurs when the hemorrhoids are inflamed or when there is prolapsed or thrombosed external hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are caused by the tortuous dilation of hemorrhoidal venous plexus. Some patients have symptoms of hemorrhoidal prolapse, some have rectal bleeding with fresh blood that is separate from the stool, and a few have both prolapse and bleeding. If the prolapse of hemorrhoids is severe, or if there is a significant amount of bleeding, surgical treatment is recommended. If the bleeding is minor and the hemorrhoids are not severe, conservative treatment can be implemented, including topical medication and maintaining smooth bowel movements. It is advised to avoid alcohol, spicy and irritating foods, and to keep the perianal area clean and hygienic.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Can hemorrhoidal ointment be used for bleeding hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids bleeding needs to be assessed based on the amount of bleeding and the duration of bleeding to determine different treatment methods. If the bleeding is minimal and short-lived, mostly noticed on toilet paper, one can opt for oral hemostatic medications or apply hemorrhoidal cream with hemostatic effects around the anus. However, if the bleeding is significant or persists for a long time, and each bleeding episode appears as dripping or jetting, to further prevent the occurrence of anemia, it is advisable to directly undergo surgical ligation to stop the bleeding, avoiding repeated bleeding episodes that could lead to anemia and further impact body functions.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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What causes hemorrhoids to bleed?

Internal hemorrhoids can easily cause rectal bleeding. The main reason is the varicosity of hemorrhoidal veins. During defecation, dry and hard stools scratch the hemorrhoidal veins causing them to rupture and bleed. Additionally, due to the long-term presence of hemorrhoids, the hemorrhoidal veins become overstretched, making the vein walls thin and fragile, and easily damaged during bowel movements. For hemorrhoid-induced rectal bleeding, treatment can be administered through medications aimed primarily at reducing bleeding symptoms and alleviating the varicosity of the hemorrhoidal veins. Sitz baths can also be used to reduce swelling around the anus. If medication provides limited relief, minimally invasive or surgical treatments may be considered.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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What's causing hemorrhoids to itch?

Hemorrhoids cause secretions to flow out from within the anal canal, particularly in the case of internal hemorrhoids. When severe, these secretions can flow outside the anus due to changes in the position of the anus or the patient's body, irritating the local skin and mucosa around the anus, thus leading to symptoms of itching. Additionally, with repeated prolapse of internal hemorrhoids, the mucosa may get trapped at the anal opening and cannot retract normally, also causing irritating itching and possibly even pain and bleeding due to repeated friction. To treat the itching from hemorrhoids, it is first necessary to alleviate the increased secretion from internal hemorrhoids. Options include using anti-inflammatory suppositories or gels, and washing the anal area with saline water or herbal washes that have antipruritic effects.

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Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
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Do hemorrhoids cause a lot of bleeding during bowel movements?

In clinical settings, most patients with hemorrhoids experience constipation, which can cause certain damage to the intestines, especially when the symptoms of hemorrhoids are pronounced, often leading to bleeding. This condition is generally related to local mucosal damage or ulcers. However, as long as bleeding is promptly controlled, it generally does not affect one's healthy life. Therefore, there is no need to worry. When problems with hemorrhoids occur, it is essential to address the symptoms appropriately. Of course, if the condition persists for a long time, considering surgical solutions is also an option, which, however, may result in a slower recovery. Thus, it’s important to maintain regular bowel movements to avoid such embarrassing issues. Additionally, performing regular pelvic floor exercises or improving dietary habits, such as incorporating whole grains or high-fiber foods, can help regulate and prevent frequent recurrence of hemorrhoids.

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Where to apply moxibustion for hemorrhoidal bleeding?

It is not recommended to use moxibustion treatment when hemorrhoids bleed. This is because moxibustion involves local heat effects that can lead to further congestion and swelling of the local mucosa. Additionally, mugwort, usually used in moxibustion, has properties that can stimulate blood circulation and regulate menstruation, which could potentially worsen local bleeding if used for treatment. Therefore, the primary treatment for bleeding hemorrhoids should be oral hemostatic drugs, and surgery should be performed as soon as possible for ligation to stop the bleeding. Moxibustion treatment is not recommended as it may delay the condition, possibly leading to increased bleeding and the risk of anemia. Hemorrhoid hemostatic drugs can include oral medications that clear heat, cool the blood, and detoxify to stop bleeding. Topical application of hemorrhoid cream to press and stop bleeding can also be used concurrently. If the bleeding is severe or prolonged, it is advisable to undergo surgical treatment directly.