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Board-Certified · Internal Medicine · Medical Director
All 50 states + DC·Video visit
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Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus. Internal hemorrhoids typically present as painless bright red bleeding with bowel movements; external hemorrhoids can be painful, especially when thrombosed. They are extremely common and driven by straining, constipation, prolonged sitting, pregnancy, and heavy lifting. Most cases improve with high-fiber diet, adequate hydration, sitz baths, and topical agents (witch hazel, hydrocortisone, lidocaine). Office-based procedures such as rubber-band ligation are highly effective for persistent internal hemorrhoids; surgery is reserved for severe disease.