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An Overview of Different Types of Hemorrhoids

If you are trying to determine the types of hemorrhoids that you may have here is an overview of the different types of hemorrhoids that exist, as well as information on the various different stages in which hemorrhoids can develop.

The interior of the anal wall and the exterior of the anal opening contain a series of veins that resemble those of varicose veins. When pressure is applied to the veins they become irritated and turn into what is known as hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids occur when there is excessive pressure applied to the anal veins causing them to become swollen and eventually bleed.

Hemorrhoids can either be internal or external and can vary according to degree of severity.




Internal Hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids are swollen anal veins that form on the interior of the anal canal. They often do not cause any pain however you may notice symptoms such as rectal bleeding and anal itching when the hemorrhoids are present. Internal hemorrhoids are generally mild and can be identified by subtle signs of blood in your stool, streaks of blood on the toilet paper, and blood in the toilet water.

  • Prolapsed Hemorrhoids

    • If internal hemorrhoids are left untreated they can develop into what is known as a prolapsed hemorrhoid. Prolapsed hemorrhoids are internal hemorrhoids that have collapsed and fallen down the anal canal which causes them to protrude from the anal opening.

    Prolapsed hemorrhoids can become quite painful and can develop into strangulated hemorrhoids which are hemorrhoids that develop blood clots as the result of the blood flow being cut off by pressure from the anal sphincter muscles. They often appear on the exterior of the anal opening as a clump of grapes and depending upon their grade can be pushed back into the anal opening with your fingertip.

  • Prolapsed Hemorrhoid Grading

    • Grade 2 prolapsed hemorrhoids will protrude from the anal opening during a bowel movement but will retract back into the anal canal following a bowel movement. Grade 3 prolapsed hemorrhoids will also protrude from the anal opening during a bowel movement but will remain outside of the anal opening until you push them back into the anal canal with your fingertip. Grade 4 prolapsed hemorrhoids will protrude from the anal opening all the time and cannot be pushed back into the anal opening.

    As a general rule internal hemorrhoids can be treated with home remedies and over the counter medications. If they are allowed to develop into the more advanced stages of prolapsed hemorrhoids then they will most likely require medical treatment and possibly surgery.



External Hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids are swollen veins that are located on the exterior of the anal opening. External hemorrhoids are often more painful than internal hemorrhoids and will tend to bleed easily from straining during bowel movements, scratching the area that is affected, or sitting for prolonged periods of time.

  • Thrombosed Hemorrhoids

    • If external hemorrhoids are left untreated they can develop into what is known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid. Thrombosed hemorrhoids are external hemorrhoids that have developed a blood clot inside the tissue. They often appear bluish in color and can develop red patches if they rupture and bleed or are scratched.

    Thrombosed hemorrhoids are often quite painful and require hemorrhoid surgery to remove the blood clot from the inside of the hemorrhoid. If pressure is applied to a thrombosed hemorrhoid it can rupture and bleed causing further pain and irritation.



Regardless of the type of hemorrhoid condition you may have it is important to seek medical attention for the different types of hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids should never be ignored especially if rectal bleeding is involved. For your own piece of mind seeking medical attention will not only help you relax but it will also rule out the possibility of other health conditions that may exhibit symptoms of hemorrhoids.





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