Internal Hemorrhoid & External Hemorrhoids

When you suffer from hemorrhoids there are basically two types of hemorrhoids: internal or external. Both can be uncomfortable but there are ways that you can fix the problem. There are also several degrees of hemorrhoids that will be explained in this article.

Internal hemorrhoids usually are not noticeable when they are small and when there is no pain. They may bleed and you will see this blood in several different ways. You will see it when you wipe yourself, there may be a little blood on the toilet seat or you might see some on the surface of your feces when you look into the toilet or in your underwear.

Because most people are told that if they find bleeding it is a reason to panic, most people will panic when they see this blood. However it often looks worse than it is. Sometimes they will also be prolapsed which means they might protrude out of the anus. This will usually mean that you will need someone to help you push them back in.

Types of Internal Hemorrhoids

Usually there are four ways that an internal hemorrhoid will present itself. Here are the most common ways:

• First degree — This type of hemorrhoid will bulge into the anal canal when a person has a bowel movement. This often happens when they are straining to go.

• Second degree — this one bulges out of the anus during a bowel movement then retract when it is finished.

• Third degree — this type of internal hemorrhoid doesn’t retract on its own and will need a finger to push it back in.

• Fourth degree — this is a protruding hemorrhoid that does not retract on its own and that you cannot replace into the anus.  Sometimes these are very painful and a physician will have to perform surgery for relief.

External Hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids come because of the veins that are centered around the anus. This is the type that is very itchy and can sometimes have a burning sensation. Some people also experience a cracking in them and bleeding. Again, you will see the bleeding on the toilet paper after your bowel movement, in your underwear or in the toilet.

How You Know if You have a Hemorrhoid

Although you probably won’t know whether you have a hemorrhoid in most cases there are a few symptoms. You will experience a burning or itchy feeling after a bowel movement even after you have wiped. You may also feel an aching in the anus after a particularly painful release of feces. You might feel a lump outside or inside the anus that is hard and fleshy or you may see the bright red blood that we have mentioned.

The best way to prevent types of hemorrhoids is to make sure that you drink plenty of water or other liquid to keep your body well hydrated and exercise. Add a healthy diet of vegetables and fruits to this and you will make sure you have softer bowel movements.

Internal hemorrhoids

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.