How Do You Know If You Have Internal or External Hemorrhoids?
Internal Hemorrhoids: Painless but Prone to Bleeding
Symptoms:
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Usually painless but may cause bright red blood during bowel movements
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Can prolapse (extend outside the anus), sometimes retracting on their own
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Often detected only through bleeding or a medical exam
Common Causes:
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Straining during bowel movements
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Chronic constipation or diarrhea
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Increased pressure from pregnancy or obesity
Key Statistic: About 50% of hemorrhoid cases involve internal hemorrhoids (Source: National Institutes of Health)
"I had no idea I had internal hemorrhoids until I noticed some bleeding. Knowing the difference helped me get the right treatment instead of panicking." — Jason, 42
External Hemorrhoids: More Noticeable and Often Painful
Symptoms:
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Can be felt as small lumps around the anus
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May cause itching, irritation, or swelling
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Can develop a painful blood clot (thrombosed hemorrhoid), leading to severe discomfort and inflammation
Common Causes:
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Prolonged sitting or sedentary lifestyle
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Heavy lifting or strenuous activity
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Chronic straining due to constipation
Key Statistic: Thrombosed external hemorrhoids occur in approximately 4.4% of the population each year (Source: International Journal of Colorectal Disease)
"I assumed my discomfort was just irritation from sitting too long, but once I learned more, I realized I had an external hemorrhoid that needed care." — Emily, 37
Why Does It Matter? Understanding the Impact of Internal vs. External Hemorrhoids
1. Treatment Approach: Different Hemorrhoids Require Different Care
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Internal hemorrhoids often respond well to dietary changes, fiber intake, and stool softeners
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External hemorrhoids may require topical treatments, warm sitz baths, or minor procedures for relief
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Thrombosed external hemorrhoids sometimes need medical intervention to remove the clot
2. Risk of Complications: When to Seek Treatment
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Internal hemorrhoids left untreated can cause chronic bleeding, anemia, or prolapse
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External hemorrhoids may worsen over time, leading to increased swelling, irritation, and potential clot formation
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Both types can become more severe if lifestyle factors contributing to them (such as poor diet or prolonged sitting) are not addressed
3. Prevention Strategies: How to Lower Your Risk
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Increase fiber intake (aim for 25-30g daily) to prevent constipation and reduce straining
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Stay hydrated to keep stools soft and easy to pass
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Limit prolonged sitting by taking movement breaks every 30-60 minutes
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Practice good hygiene to prevent irritation and bacterial infections
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Use proper lifting techniques to avoid excessive strain
Key Statistic: Around 75% of adults will experience hemorrhoids at some point (Source: American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons)
Final Thoughts: Knowing the Difference Helps You Get the Right Treatment
Recognizing whether you have internal or external hemorrhoids is the first step in finding effective relief. While both types are common and treatable, they require different management strategies to prevent discomfort and complications.
At Norms, we’re here to break the stigma, provide the right information, and make relief easy and accessible.