Hemorrhoids refer to swollen blood vessels in the rectal or anal regions of the body. Although the condition afflicts myriads of people of all ages each year, to date no one cause for hemorrhoids has been identified. Having said that, doctors have identified certain factors which can lead to the painful condition, including pregnancy, wherein the fetus exerts a great deal of pressure on the pelvis and rectal area. Being constipated and over-straining when you go to the bathroom can also cause blood vessels to swell and even bleed. Additional culprits are obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and heavy lifting.

There are essentially two types of hemorrhoids which can form and what differentiates them is where exactly the swelling of the veins in the anal canal occurs. The anal canal, situated below the rectum, is the last place waste rests before leaving your body. Swollen blood vessels which occur inside the rectum are called internal hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids lie outside the anal canal, or “below the dentate line”.

Since internal hemorrhoids contain few nerve endings, they are often painless and undetectable until bleeding occurs. Internal hemorrhoids are categorized into four grade levels which indicate the severity of the condition. A prolapsed hemorrhoid, or an internal hemorrhoid which has dropped and is visible below the anus, indicates a more serious state. External hemorrhoids are visible to the eye, contain many nerve endings, and typically cause itchiness and excruciating pain. If you have what is called a thrombosed external hemorrhoid it means a blood clot has formed, and it will hurt to sit, stand, and have a bowel movement. The easiest way to identify a thrombosed external hemorrhoid is its color, which is an unmistakable dark red, purplish, or bluish color just below the skin.

The good news is that hemorrhoids are treatable, and for the most part you can get rid of hemorrhoids via conservative methods. However, since anal bleeding can also be caused by certain types of cancer, it is paramount that you see a doctor and receive a firm diagnosis before beginning any type of hemorrhoids treatment. If you take a trip to your local pharmacy, you will find many prescription and over-the-counter hemorrhoid treatments, including anti-hemorrhoid creams and ointments. If you are interested in a hemorrhoids home treatment or any type of natural treatment, you will find myriads of tested, tried, and true suggestions on the Internet. (Soaking your rectum in a warm bath several times a day is one way to ease the pain caused by hemorrhoids).

Of course, as with all ailments and illnesses, prevention is always preferable to treatment and thus health experts have come up with a number of preventative measures to ward off hemorrhoids or to keep an existing condition from reoccurring. To prevent all forms of hemorrhoids, follow these recommendations:

• Add bran or a fiber supplement containing psyllium to your diet
• Eat fiber-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, legumes, and whole grain products
• Drink plenty of water daily
• Exercise regularly (Kegel exercises, which strengthen the rectal muscles and increase blood flow to the anal regions, are especially recommended)

However if all else fails, there are hemorrhoids cases which require treatment by surgery. Types of surgical procedures for the condition include:

• Rubber Band Ligation
• Sclerotherapy
• Laser coagulation
• Hemorhoidectory surgery

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