What are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower portion of the rectum or anus.

Internal hemorrhoids involve veins inside the rectum that can cause discomfort or fullness in the rectum.

External hemorrhoids involve veins outside the anus that may cause a pinching sensation, itchiness, pain, cracking and even bleeding.

Hemorrhoids range in size from very small, like the tip of a pencil, to very large, like half the size of a quarter.

Hemorrhoid symptoms with the greatest impact on the daily lives of sufferers are:

  • Rectal pain
  • Inflammation
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Bleeding
  • Skin irritation
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About Hemorrhoids

Who gets them?

In a nutshell—just about everyone.

Both men and women are likely to experience the discomfort of hemorrhoids.

About 75% of people will have hemorrhoids at some point in their lives.

By age 50, nearly half of adults have had to deal with the itching and pain that can signal the presence of hemorrhoids.

What can cause them?

Risk factors for hemorrhoids include:

  • Chronic constipation or diarrhea
  • Straining during bowel movements
  • Sitting on the toilet for long periods of time
  • A lack of fibre in the diet
  • Pregnancy
  • Aging
  • Being overweight

How often do they strike?

In market research, 3 out of 4 hemorrhoid sufferers reported suffering fairly often, around 3–6 times per year. But frequency varies from one person to the next. Some people may only suffer once in their life, while others will get them more often. And of course, some flare-ups may be worse than others.

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Fact or Fiction?

Put your knowledge about hemorrhoids to the test! You may be surprised by what you learn.

Hemorrhoids only afflict the elderly.

Fact Fiction

Right!

Fact:

Hemorrhoids can occur at any age, but are more common as people get older.

Wrong!

Fact:

Hemorrhoids can occur at any age, but are more common as people get older.

Men are more prone to hemorrhoids than women.

Fact Fiction

Right!

Fact:

Just about anyone can get hemorrhoids at some point in their lives, men and women are both equally prone to hemorrhoids.

However, some factors may increase the chances of getting them:

  • Heredity
  • Pregnancy
  • Being overweight
  • Standing or lifting too much

Wrong!

Fact:

Just about anyone can get hemorrhoids at some point in their lives, men and women are both equally prone to hemorrhoids.

However, some factors may increase the chances of getting them:

  • Heredity
  • Pregnancy
  • Being overweight
  • Standing or lifting too much

Spicy food causes hemorrhoids.

Fact Fiction

Right!

Fact:

Spicy food doesn't cause hemorrhoids, but it may create anal irritation (pruritus).

Wrong!

Fact:

Spicy food doesn't cause hemorrhoids, but it may create anal irritation (pruritus).

Sitting on a sidewalk or cold surfaces can cause hemorrhoids.

Fact Fiction

Right!

Fact:

Sit on all the sidewalks you want, they won't give you hemorrhoids!

Wrong!

Fact:

Sit on all the sidewalks you want, they won't give you hemorrhoids!

Anal sex can cause hemorrhoids.

Fact Fiction

Right!

Fact:

Nope, anal sex does not cause hemorrhoids. It can trigger or worsen existing hemorrhoid symptoms though.

Wrong!

Fact:

Nope, anal sex does not cause hemorrhoids. It can trigger or worsen existing hemorrhoid symptoms though.

Pregnant women get hemorrhoids.

Fact Fiction

Right!

Fact:

Many pregnant women do in fact get hemorrhoids. This is caused by increased pressure on the blood vessels in the pelvic area. Straining to push the baby out during labor can also worsen hemorrhoids.

Wrong!

Fact:

Many pregnant women do in fact get hemorrhoids. This is caused by increased pressure on the blood vessels in the pelvic area. Straining to push the baby out during labor can also worsen hemorrhoids.

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