Bleeding Hemorrhoid: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Haemorrhoids are a widespread health issue that impacts countless people across the globe. While they can be uncomfortable, haemorrhoids with bleeding are particularly concerning for many. 

Haemorrhoids are essentially swollen blood vessels in and around the anus and rectum. One of the most noticeable signs is spotting bright red blood, either on the toilet paper, in the stool, or in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement.

In this blog, we’ll explore what causes haemorrhoids bleeding, the symptoms to watch out for, and the most effective ways to treat and manage them. Whether you’re dealing with this personally or just looking to understand more, you’re in the right place.

What Causes Haemorrhoids to Bleed?

There are several everyday habits and health conditions that can lead to bleeding haemorrhoids. These factors put added strain on the lower rectum, leading to swollen and irritated blood vessels that may start to bleed over time. Common causes include:

1. Straining during bowel movements: This is especially due to constipation, which puts direct pressure on the veins around the anus.
2. Prolonged sitting: Sitting on the toilet for extended periods can restrict blood flow and worsen existing haemorrhoids
3. Chronic constipation or ongoing diarrhoea: This keeps the area irritated and inflamed, increasing the risk of bleeding.
4. Pregnancy: This places extra pressure on the pelvic veins, making haemorrhoids more likely to develop or worsen.
5. Excess body weight: This can also put added strain on rectal and anal veins, leading to swelling and bleeding.
6. Low-fibre diets: This often results in hard stools, which make bowel movements more difficult and painful.
7. Regular heavy lifting or activities: Activities that involve intense physical strain may increase abdominal pressure and contribute to the development of haemorrhoids.
8. Anal intercourse: This can irritate the sensitive tissues and may worsen or trigger bleeding in existing haemorrhoids.

Haemorrhoids can also develop during pregnancy or after lifting something heavy. Making small adjustments to your lifestyle—like adding more fibre to your meals, staying active, and not delaying bowel movements—can significantly reduce the risk of developing or worsening haemorrhoids.

Symptoms of Bleeding Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoid bleeding symptoms can vary depending on whether you have internal or external haemorrhoids. Common signs include:

1. Bright Red Blood: Blood on toilet paper, in the toilet bowl, or on the stool is a common sign of haemorrhoids with bleeding. The blood is typically bright red, indicating it’s fresh.
2. Pain or Discomfort: Painful bleeding haemorrhoids are more common with external haemorrhoids, especially if a blood clot forms.
3. Itching or Irritation: Both internal haemorrhoid bleeding and external haemorrhoid bleeding can cause itching around the anus.
4. Swelling or Lumps: External haemorrhoids may cause noticeable lumps or swelling, which can worsen external haemorrhoids’ bleeding.
5. Mucus Discharge: Internal haemorrhoids may produce mucus, which can irritate the skin and contribute to haemorrhoids bleeding.

If you experience heavy bleeding, dark blood, or persistent symptoms, consult a healthcare professional, as these could indicate a more serious condition.

Types of Bleeding Haemorrhoids and Their Symptoms

1. Internal Haemorrhoids Bleeding

Internal haemorrhoids are located inside the rectum, and while they usually don’t cause pain, they can bleed when irritated. The blood from internal haemorrhoids is often bright red, and you may notice it on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl after using the restroom.

Internal haemorrhoids are classified into four grades, ranging from mild bulging to severe prolapse, where the haemorrhoid may protrude from the anus. The more severe the haemorrhoid, the higher the likelihood of bleeding during bowel movements.

2. External Haemorrhoids Bleeding

External haemorrhoids are located under the skin around the anus. External haemorrhoids bleeding tends to be more painful because the area is more sensitive. When external haemorrhoids bleed, the blood can appear darker, as it comes from the lower rectum.

While external haemorrhoids bleeding can be alarming, the bleeding is typically minimal, and it’s often caused by straining or irritation during bowel movements.

Treatment Options for Bleeding Haemorrhoids

Managing haemorrhoids with bleeding involves both home remedies and medical procedures. Here’s an overview:

Home Remedies

• Fibre Intake: Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains soften stools, reducing straining and haemorrhoid symptoms of bleeding.
• Hydration: Drinking water prevents constipation, easing internal and external haemorrhoid bleeding.
• Sitz Baths: Soaking in warm water for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times daily, soothes irritation and reduces painful bleeding haemorrhoids.
• OTC Creams: Hydrocortisone or witch hazel creams relieve itching and pain from bleeding haemorrhoids.
• Gentle Wiping: Use soft, unscented toilet paper or wet wipes to avoid irritating bleeding external haemorrhoids.

Medical Procedures

If home remedies fail, a doctor may recommend procedures like rubber band ligation, where a band cuts off the blood supply to shrink internal haemorrhoids bleeding; sclerotherapy, injecting a chemical to reduce haemorrhoids; infrared coagulation, using heat to shrink haemorrhoids; or haemorrhoidectomy, surgical removal for severe, painful haemorrhoids.

For those wondering about the timeline of recovery, especially after starting treatment or changing lifestyle habits, you might find this blog helpful: How Long Does it Take for a Haemorrhoid to Shrink?

Final Thoughts

Haemorrhoids with bleeding can be an uncomfortable and distressing condition, but with the right treatment and prevention strategies, you can manage and even avoid this. Whether you’re dealing with external or internal haemorrhoids bleeding, understanding the causes and symptoms is essential to seeking timely treatment.

If you experience painful bleeding from haemorrhoids, make sure to take steps to ease the discomfort and consult with a healthcare provider when necessary. With proper care, you can keep haemorrhoids under control and live a more comfortable life.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do you treat a bleeding haemorrhoid?

• Eat foods that are high in fibre, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc.
• Use creams or suppositories containing hydrocortisone.
• Soak in a warm bath or sitz bath regularly to ease discomfort.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers to help with pain.

2. How much blood is normal with haemorrhoids?

Seeing a few drops of bright red blood in the toilet or on toilet paper after going to the bathroom is usually considered normal for haemorrhoids. However, if the bleeding is heavy & doesn’t stop, or if you see dark blood or blood clots, it’s important to see a doctor.

3. Can haemorrhoid bleeding be serious?

In most cases, a little bit of bright red blood isn’t a serious problem. But if the bleeding doesn’t stop, if you have severe pain, or if the blood is dark red, you should consult a doctor, as these could indicate a more serious issue.

4. Are bleeding haemorrhoids cancerous?

Haemorrhoids are much more common than cancer and are often the cause of bleeding or pain in the rectal area. However, it’s difficult to self-diagnose, so it’s essential to talk to a doctor if you have concerns.

5. Is walking good for bleeding haemorrhoids?

Walking and gentle activities like yoga are beneficial for haemorrhoids. However, high-intensity workouts, such as heavy weightlifting, can put extra pressure on your abdomen and rectum, which might make haemorrhoids worse.