What Do Hemorrhoids Look Like?

One of the most common questions that arise is what do hemorrhoids look like?  Regardless of whether you’ve ever seen a hemorrhoid or not, if you have one then you’ll know about it, but to give an answer to this question then there are different types of hemorrhoid and each type has a different appearance.

One type of hemorrhoid is the internal hemorrhoid.  There isn’t anything to see with this type as by the nature of their name, they are inside the rectum and aren’t visible unless an internal examination is done.  Ironically, most of us have internal hemorrhoids and go about our lives blissfully unaware of their presence.  Only if they become strained and prolapse will they start to be exposed and the sufferer may experience some bleeding on the tissue paper after going to the toilet.

Another type of hemorrhoid and probably the most heard of, is the external hemorrhoid.  These can either appear as one or a cluster of purple bulges sometimes reaching the size of grapes.  They are basically overly strained veins that gather around the entrance of the anus.

The most visually dramatic type of hemorrhoid is the thrombosed hemorrhoid.  These appear as quite large, bulbous, protruding veins that are bluish in colour.  They quite easily become aggravated and sore.  When this happens they take on a red appearance as they become full of blood clots and are quite literally strangled veins.  Hemorrhoids like these need treating.  There is no way they will just go away and disappear without some form of intervention.  Many opt for surgery if they get to this point however this can prove to be more painful than the hemorrhoids themselves and the recovery time is lengthy.

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