Internal hemorrhoids can be the most uncomfortable of all the hemorrhoids and they can be painful depending on the type. Most are easy to treat but some will need an emergency medical procedure.

What Are Symptoms of Internal Hemorrhoids

Although most people understand varicose veins in the legs this is a similar thing (although not exactly the same) that is located in the anus. When they are internal they surround the anus and then they dilate and protrude outward. Sometimes they hang outside the body but in this case they protrude inside.

When this happens many people will first experience it because they will see blood on the toilet paper after they wipe at the end of a bowel movement. They might also see blood on the stool surface after they stand up. This is normal and is not cause for alarm unless it is also accompanied by extreme pain.

Most of the time, these are veins that are small and swollen and are attached to the anal canal wall. If they bulge out they can be squeezed by the muscles of the anus which can cause the pain.

Sometimes blood supply can be cut off from the hemorrhoid and this can cause another condition called “strangulation.” If this occurs it may indicate an immediate need for a physician’s assistance.

Types of Internal Hemorrhoids

There are basically four types of internal hemorrhoids that people encounter and they are presented by the degree of severity:

• First degree — this is the type that will bulge into the anal canal when a person has a bowel movement. This may occur without any discomfort or it may have a minor irritation.

• Second degree — this one will bulge away from the anus during a bowel movement then retract when it is finished. This may have minor irritation.

• Third degree — this one is like a second degree but it does not retract on its own. Instead you will need to use a finger to push it back in.

• Fourth degree — this is one that would protrude from the anus all the time and it cannot be put back easily. Sometimes these are very painful and a physician will have to perform surgery for relief.

When to Speak to a Doctor About Hemorrhoids

In most cases a hemorrhoid is not a cause to talk to a doctor necessarily if you are not having real discomfort. Often an over the counter cream or suppository can take care of the problem. If it continues to give irritation you may want to talk to a physician.  And if in any doubt at all you should always speak to a doctor.

The one thing that a physician can do is rule out any other problems that may be causing the burning or itching.  A physician can also take a look at the hemorrhoid and recommend the best treatment for it based on the degree of the problem.

The doctor will most likely do a digital (finger) rectal exam and an anoscopy to see what is going on before they suggest a treatment or more examinations.