Internal Hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids can occur when there is increased pressure within the internal hemorrhoidal veins. This extra pressure can result in symptoms such as anal discomfort and bright-red blood appearing on the stool or on toilet paper. Factors that can increase a person's risk of developing internal hemorroids include straining to move stool, obesity, and a high-fat, low-fiber diet. Treatment strategies usually involve dietary changes and modified bowel habits. In cases where these changes do not relieve a patient's symptoms, surgery may be recommended.

 

What Are Internal Hemorrhoids?

The term hemorrhoids refers to a condition in which the veins around the anus or lower rectum are swollen and inflamed. There are several groups of veins that surround the rectum and anus -- one group is known as internal hemorrhoidal veins, the others are known as external hemorrhoidal veins. As the name suggests, internal hemorrhoids affect the internal hemorrhoidal veins.
 

Cause of Internal Hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids are caused by increased pressure within the internal hemorrhoidal veins.
 
There are a number of conditions that can increase pressure within the internal hemorrhoidal veins. These include:
 
  • Straining to move stool, or other poor bowel habits such as sitting for long periods
  • Pregnancy
  • Aging
  • Chronic constipation or diarrhea
  • Anal intercourse
  • Cirrhosis
  • Obesity
  • A high-fat, low-fiber diet.
     
(Click Causes of Hemorrhoids for more information.)
 
(Internal Hemorrhoids Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD