Hemorrhoid symptoms are a subject that few people readily talk about. Some people are even reticent to talk about them with their family physician. However, it is an affliction that is fairly common and affects men and women equally. Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the rectum or anal area. They only result in serious complications in about 4% of the general population. All that being said there is no reason to suffer silently as there are many simple treatments available. The important thing to determine is if your hemorrhoids are internal or external.

External Hemorrhoid Symptoms

External hemorrhoids are the ones that are most noticeable they may bulge and bleed and often are itchy. You may notice a slight amount of blood on the tissue when you wipe. This type of hemorrhoid can become prolapsed or filled with a blood clot this is called thrombosis and is intensely painful.

Internal Hemorrhoid Symptoms

Internal hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels within the anal cavity. They are less likely to be painful as there are few pain sensing nerves inside the rectum. Often times the only sign that you have them is rectal bleeding, you may see blood in the commode, on toilet paper or streaks on feces. Sometimes internal hemorrhoids will prolapsed or protrude; this is when they can become painful.
Other hemorrhoid symptoms include:
•    Itching, an internal hemorrhoid often leaks mucus, which irritates the rectum and causes intense itching.
•    The skin can become irritated by both the leaking mucus and bulging hemorrhoid.
•    The urge to use the bathroom may continue even though you have just had a bowel movement. This is because the hemorrhoid is bulging and applying pressure on the anal canal.
•    As stated above internal hemorrhoids are not generally painful, however if one becomes severely enlarged it can be squeezed painfully by the anal muscle. It can be a sign that the blood flow has been cut off causing a strangulated hemorrhoid; at this point, you should seek medical attention.
Blood in your stool or from the rectum should never be taken lightly. While hemorrhoids are not usually, a serious condition blood can also be an indicator of colon problems up to and including cancer.
Never feel embarrassed talking about hemorrhoid symptoms with your physician. Hemorrhoids have some very simple treatment options most of which fall drastically short of surgery. By taking the initiative to mention any changes to bowel movements, pain or bleeding you can obtain treatment quickly and prevent problems that are more serious.