23/06/2025
Addressing Bleeding Hemorrhoids
What are the causes of bleeding hemorrhoids? 1
The anal canal is lined with hemorrhoidal tissues that consists of muscles, connective tissues, and a network of blood vessels. Whenever pressure is exerted on these tissues, such as passing motion, the tissues will swell. In most cases, the tissues will return to their normal size after pressure eases. However, when excessive or prolonged pressure is present, the vessels inside the tissue can bulge and become inflame, causing an abnormal pile, known as hemorrhoid.
Hemorrhoids often remain inside the anal canal (internal), but sometimes may bulge outward from the anus (external). Both internal and external hemorrhoids can bleed.
Bleeding hemorrhoids can occur as a passing stool nicks a blood vessel in the swollen pile. The same can occur with straining, causing the thinned walls of a blood vessel to spontaneously burst and bleed.
What are the symptoms of bleeding hemorrhoids? 2
Bleeding is common with people experiencing internal hemorrhoids. The bleeding is generally painless and causes streaks of bright red blood:
- On toilet paper when wiping
- On the outside of a stool
- In the toilet bowl
If the blood is dark red, you should notify a doctor as this can indicate a problem higher up in the gastrointestinal tract.
When to see a doctor in the case of bleeding hemorrhoids? 3
It is important to speak with a healthcare professional particularly if your condition does not get better in 7 days or gets worse, or any of the following symptoms:
- Unexplained loss of appetite and weight
- Bleeding at times other than passing motion
- Changes in bowel habits or movements
- Changes in colour and shape of stools
- Hard lump(s) at the anus
