Five Facts You Should Know About Hemorrhoids

February 13, 2026

Hemorrhoids are a common condition that can often be easily treated. Because they affect a sensitive part of the body, many people hesitate to speak with a health care provider about their symptoms. Rachel Gordon, MD, a colorectal surgeon at Episcopal Health Services on the Rockaway Peninsula, emphasizes that there is no need for embarrassment or unnecessary suffering.

“Hemorrhoids are normal,” Dr. Gordon explains. “They are blood vessels that support the anal region by keeping it clean and helping prevent infection. But when excessive pressure is placed on these vessels, they can enlarge and lead to discomfort or other issues that may require medical treatment.”

Whether you are unsure that you have symptoms caused by hemorrhoids or have struggled to manage them on your own, here are five facts about this condition and how to find relief.

Hemorrhoids Occur in Two Forms

Hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed veins that can cause discomfort, pain or bleeding. Also known as “piles,” they appear as:

• Internal hemorrhoids: found deeper in the anal canal, but can protrude out of the anus if large enough
• External hemorrhoids: found circumferentially around the opening of the anus

Hemorrhoids Have Multiple Causes

Several factors increase the likelihood of developing hemorrhoids, including:

• Straining during bowel movements
• Spending more than three to five minutes on the toilet
• Frequent coughing, including from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Pregnancy or obesity
• Weightlifting or regularly lifting heavy objects
• Low dietary fiber intake
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Age over 50

Hemorrhoids Are Very Common

Millions of adults nationwide experience hemorrhoids. Estimates suggest that approximately one in 20 adults has hemorrhoids and roughly half of adults over 50 are affected.

Hemorrhoids Cause Several Symptoms

The most common symptom is bright red, painless rectal bleeding. This may appear on toilet tissue or as light dripping in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement. Other symptoms include:

• A painful or sensitive lump near the anus
• Persistent itching (pruritus)
• Pain or discomfort while sitting
• Prolapse, when a hemorrhoid protrudes from the anus

In general, bleeding tends to occur with internal hemorrhoids while pain is more commonly associated with external hemorrhoids.

Several Treatment Options Are Available

The options for treating hemorrhoids depend on their severity and persistence. Often, health care providers will start with lifestyle modifications before recommending more invasive approaches. Options include:

1. Lifestyle Modifications

The following simple changes can significantly improve or relieve symptoms:

• Increase dietary fiber: Aim for 25 to 28 grams daily. Fiber supplements may help meet this goal.
• Limit toilet time: Ideally, spend fewer than three to five minutes on the toilet. If nothing happens, leave and try again later.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking eight to 12 glasses of water per day can help prevent constipation and reduce strain.
• Use moist wipes: Choose products designed for hemorrhoid relief and avoid rubbing, which may worsen irritation.
• Reduce consumption of foods that contribute to constipation: Items such as processed foods, red meat, foods low in fiber and white flower.
• Take warm sitz baths: Sitting in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes several times per day can soothe irritation.
• Consult a personal trainer: Guidance on proper weightlifting technique may help prevent hemorrhoids caused by strain.

2. Over-the-Counter Medications

Over-the-counter medications are often recommended when lifestyle changes do not provide effective relief. Options include ointments, creams, pads and suppositories containing ingredients such as witch hazel, lidocaine or hydrocortisone. However, products with hydrocortisone should not be used for more than five days due to associated risk for skin thinning.

3. Minimally Invasive Treatments

Your health care provider may recommend one of two minimally invasive treatments for hemorrhoids symptoms that persist following lifestyle modifications and medications:

• Rubber Band Ligation: Rubber bands are placed around the internal hemorrhoid to cut off blood supply, causing it to fall off within five to seven days. Complications such as bleeding or infection are rare.
• Sclerotherapy: Treatment involves injecting a solution into the inflamed vein to shrink it.

4. Surgery

Surgical intervention, most commonly hemorrhoidectomy, is reserved for cases that do not respond to other treatments. During this procedure, the affected tissue is removed, and blood vessels are sealed while the patient is under anesthesia.

If you are experiencing discomfort or pain from hemorrhoid-related symptoms, talk to your health care provider about treatment options that can provide relief and help prevent recurrence.