Hemorrhoids

• Hemorrhoid Overview
• Hemorrhoid Causes
• Hemorrhoid Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Hemorrhoid Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Surgery
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors
• Related hemorrhoid articles:
  Hemorrhoids - on WebMD
  Hemorrhoids - on MedicineNet

Hemorrhoid Overview

Hemorrhoids are enlarged, painful veins in your rectum.

Hemorrhoids develop from 2 different places. There are 2 sets of veins that drain the blood from the lower rectum and anus.

• The internal veins can become swollen to form internal hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids, unless they are severe, cannot be seen or felt, unlike external hemorrhoids.

• Likewise, the external veins can swell to form external hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids can be seen around the outside of the anus and, many times, can be felt.