What Are Hemorrhoids And How to Tell If You Have Them?

Andy Paras

28 Feb, 2026

Just reading the word hemorrhoids might make some people cringe — and for good reason. These swollen veins around the anus and lower rectum can be uncomfortable, itchy, and sometimes painful. But the good news is that hemorrhoids are very common and rarely dangerous for your health.

What Are Hemorrhoids And How to Tell If You Have Them?

They often show up as little red bumps around the anus. That’s because there’s a network of veins in the rectal area that can stretch or swell due to things like straining during bowel movements, constipation, or lifestyle factors.¹

There are ways to check for hemorrhoids at home, and plenty of over‑the‑counter remedies can help ease symptoms. But it’s important to know that hemorrhoids can look a lot like other, more serious conditions too.

Signs & Symptoms — How to Tell If You Have Hemorrhoids

Symptoms vary depending on where the hemorrhoids are and whether they are causing complications. You can even have more than one type at the same time.

Internal Hemorrhoids

These are inside the lower part of the rectum, so you usually can’t see or feel them. They’re often painless unless they prolapse (stick out of the anus).

Internal hemorrhoids are ranked by how much they prolapse, using something called the Goligher classification.¹

Grade I – No prolapse, just bleeding. You probably won’t notice this at home.
Grade II – Prolapse only during straining, then go back in on their own. You might see or feel this.
Grade III – Prolapse during bowel movements and need to be pushed back in manually. Definitely visible.
Grade IV – Always prolapsed and stuck outside. Very visible and uncomfortable.

External Hemorrhoids

These form under the skin around the anus and can make the skin sore and irritated. If a blood clot forms in one of them (called a thrombosed hemorrhoid), it can be very painful, although these clots often dissolve on their own.¹

Common Symptoms People Notice

Believe it or not, many people don’t notice symptoms even when hemorrhoids are present. In one study, nearly 39% of patients had hemorrhoids detected during routine colon exams — but more than half didn’t report symptoms at all.²

If symptoms do happen, you might notice:

Bright red blood in your stool or on the toilet paper
Pain or discomfort
Itching or irritation around the anus

These symptoms often go away on their own or with simple home care.

What Conditions Can Be Mistaken for Hemorrhoids?

Several health issues can mimic hemorrhoid symptoms. If symptoms persist or are severe, getting checked by a healthcare provider is important.

Here are common look‑alike conditions:

Anal Fissures

Small tears in the anal skin that cause sharp, burning pain and bleeding after bowel movements.³

Colorectal Polyps or Cancer

Polyps are growths inside the colon that can bleed. If not removed, some can become cancerous over time. Regular screening is essential.⁴

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD)

Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can also cause diarrhea, bleeding, and discomfort.⁴

When Should You See a Doctor?

Even though hemorrhoids are usually harmless, medical evaluation is important if you:

See blood in your stool or on toilet paper
Have persistent pain, itching, or irritation
Notice changes in bowel habits
Have other worrying symptoms like weight loss

These consultations help rule out more serious conditions like colorectal cancer, which can share similar symptoms.⁵

Your doctor might:

Do a physical exam of your anus and rectum
Perform a digital rectal exam (with a gloved finger)
Use a scope to look deeper inside your rectum

They may also suggest lifestyle changes or treatments to ease your symptoms.⁵

Treating Hemorrhoids

For most people, hemorrhoid treatment starts with simple lifestyle changes:

Eat More Fiber

Aim for at least 25 grams of fiber a day to help soften stools and improve bowel movements. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are all great options. If you can’t get enough from food, fiber supplements can help.⁶

Drink More Water

Staying hydrated helps prevent constipation and reduces straining.

Use Stool Softeners

These make bowel movements easier and reduce strain.

Warm Sitz Baths

Soaking your hips and buttocks in warm water for about 20 minutes — after bowel movements and a few times a day — can soothe irritation and swelling.⁵

Over‑the‑Counter Remedies

Many ointments and creams can offer temporary relief. Look for products with ingredients like:

Witch hazel – A gentle astringent to calm irritation
Zinc oxide – Protects skin and prevents dryness
Phenylephrine – Helps reduce swelling
Topical steroids – Reduce itch and redness
Local anesthetics – Target pain relief
Flavonoids (like diosmin) – Plant compounds that may help with pain and swelling⁵⁻⁶

Conclusion

If you notice blood in your stool, itchiness, or pain, hemorrhoids might be the cause. External ones look like small red bumps near the anus, while internal ones are usually hidden unless they prolapse.

Most cases aren’t serious and can be managed with more fiber, water, warm baths, and over‑the‑counter treatments. But because symptoms can overlap with more serious issues like polyps or IBD, it’s smart to talk to a doctor if anything is worrying or ongoing.

📚 Medical Sources

Cleveland Clinic – Hemorrhoids overview:
American Journal of Gastroenterology – Asymptomatic hemorrhoids prevalence
Mayo Clinic – Anal fissures
National Cancer Institute – Colorectal polyps & cancer
Johns Hopkins Medicine – Hemorrhoids diagnosis & treatment
National Institutes of Health – Dietary fiber fact sheet

What Are Hemorrhoids And How to Tell If You Have Them?