Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels that sit just inside or just outside the anus. Hemorrhoids are harmless, but they can be very annoying and cause symptoms such as bleeding, burning, itching and pain.
The bulges are usually caused by hard pressing, but they can also be caused by high pressure on the abdominal cavity. That is why you are more at risk if you are pregnant or overweight.
Prolonged and hard physical labor can also increase the risk, and in rarer cases, liver cirrhosis, an enlarged prostate and rectal cancer may play a role.
Usually, hemorrhoids hurt especially if they are around the outside of the anus.
The treatment of hemorrhoids depends on your symptoms. In severe cases, surgery is possible. An alternative treatment is to have the doctor clamp the hemorrhoid with a band so that it will fall off.
In the vast majority of cases, it is best to tackle the cause of hemorrhoids – prevent constipation so that you no longer have to push so hard. This can be done, for example, by getting more fluids, eating a lot of fiber and exercising enough.