Internal Hemorrhoids

Internal Hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids, also known as inner hemorrhoids or internal piles, are swollen vascular structures that can cause some unpleasant problems, even if you don’t feel them. 

Internal hemorrhoids can be harder to diagnose than external hemorrhoids since they are concealed inside the rectum unless prolapse occurs. 

There are some ways you may be able to detect internal hemorrhoids, however. 

And fortunately, there are effective options for the treatment of internal hemorrhoids.

What Are Internal Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are vascular structures in your rectum.Specifically, the final portion of the large intestine that your body uses to store and pass stool. These veins are cushioned by muscle and connective tissue. 

Types of Hemorrhoids

Everyone has internal hemorrhoids, but we only notice them once they become a problem. 

When we refer to hemorrhoids or piles, we are typically referring to hemorrhoids that have become inflamed. About half of adults over 50 experience this issue.

Internal hemorrhoids form near the end of the rectum, but you likely won’t see or feel anything unusual, even when a hemorrhoid swells, because they are still far inside the body. 

You only see or feel an internal hemorrhoid if they prolapse. Internal hemorrhoids do not cause pain because they are located in an area without any nerve endings. If you are experiencing pain, it may be from a different condition, such as external hemorrhoids, anal fissures or spasms.

Internal Hemorrhoid Classification:

Not all internal hemorrhoids are the same or cause the same problems. Physicians classify internal hemorrhoids using the following four grades of severity:

  • Grade I: If an internal hemorrhoid bleeds but remains inside the rectum, it is classified as a Grade I hemorrhoid.
  • Grade II: Some internal hemorrhoids will prolapse, meaning they extend out the anus. If a prolapsed hemorrhoid reduces spontaneously on its own, then it is a Grade II hemorrhoid.
  • Grade III: A Grade III hemorrhoid is prolapsed and does not reduce on its own. However, these hemorrhoids usually respond to manual reduction, meaning they can be pushed back into the rectum.
  • Grade IV: Grade IV hemorrhoids are the most advanced and severe form of internal hemorrhoids. These are prolapsed hemorrhoids that are irreducible, meaning they remain prolapsed even despite efforts at manual reduction.

Causes of Internal Hemorrhoids

In some cases, hemorrhoids can be an unavoidable issue associated with aging. 

Hemorrhoids can develop any time there is an extra degree of pressure on the rectum. Some sources of this strain include:

  • Constipation and diarrhea: These conditions both put stress on the rectal area, either by straining too much in the case of constipation or by frequent bowel movements in the case of diarrhea. These issues can often be resolved with diet and lifestyle changes but may also be associated with other conditions like IBS and IBD.
  • Unhealthy diet: A diet that is high in fat and/or low in fiber can affect our bowel movements, causing constipation or diarrhea. As described above, this can put pressure on the rectum and increase time sitting on the toilet.
  • Pregnancy and childbirth: Many women develop hemorrhoids during pregnancy due to the increased pressure on the pelvis that a growing fetus can cause. Straining during childbirth can also result in hemorrhoids.
  • Obesity: People who are obese are at a higher risk of developing both internal and external hemorrhoids because of increased pressure around the rectum and because obesity may be associated with poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle.
  • Long periods of sitting: Regular activity is an important aspect to prevent hemorrhoids and other anorectal health issues. Sitting for long stretches can put undue strain on your rectal area.

If you want to prevent internal hemorrhoids from forming, making some simple lifestyle changes, such as increasing the amount of fiber in your diet and engaging in regular exercise, may help. Unfortunately, sometimes there is nothing we can do to prevent internal hemorrhoids.

Symptoms of Internal Hemorrhoids

Symptoms of internal hemorrhoids vary depending on their severity. Even as hemorrhoids worsen, you aren’t likely to experience pain due to the lack of nerve endings in the lower rectal area. Pain associated with hemorrhoids is typically caused by an associated condition, such as anal fissures or external hemorrhoids.

Internal Hemorrhoids Painless

If you can’t feel internal hemorrhoids, then how do you know they’re there? 

In most cases, it’s because you begin to notice bleeding. You may see blood in your stool or notice it on the toilet paper when you wipe. Because this blood has a short path to travel outside the body, it should be bright red. You may not notice it right away if the bleeding is light.

While bleeding is the most common indicator of internal hemorrhoids, you may experience other symptoms if a hemorrhoid prolapses. This typically happens during a bowel movement, and in many cases, the tissue will go back in on its own. In other cases, you may have to push the tissue back in. In the case of Grade IV hemorrhoids, the tissue will remain prolapsed.

It’s important to note that bleeding is also a common symptom of colorectal cancer, as well as internal hemorrhoids. That’s why we recommend you see a physician right away if you are experiencing any rectal bleeding, especially if it is accompanied by other suspect symptoms

A hemorrhoid protruding out the anus can cause discomfort from itching and swelling. Some people even experience soiling due to the prolapsed tissue. It can be difficult to know if you have prolapsed hemorrhoids or external hemorrhoids without a doctor’s professional diagnosis since they can cause similar symptoms. Additionally, it’s not uncommon to have both at once.

Only a qualified physician can accurately diagnose internal hemorrhoids. 

Internal Hemorrhoid Treatment Options

Many internal piles treatment options are available to those experiencing symptoms. Some of the most common treatments for hemorrhoids that people are familiar with are aimed at providing temporary relief from pain, itching or general discomfort. These methods include things like sitz baths, over-the-counter creams and ointments or natural home remedies like aloe vera and apple cider vinegar.

Unfortunately, these treatment methods only provide momentary relief, and they only really work for external hemorrhoid symptoms. 

Internal hemorrhoids treatment must be aimed at addressing the problem long-term by actually removing the internal hemorrhoids.

1. Coagulation

One option that is less invasive than surgery is infrared coagulation (IRC). A medical professional will direct an infrared light to the internal hemorrhoid, and the heat will cause scar tissue to form, cutting off blood flow to the hemorrhoid. About a week later, the dead tissue will fall off, and mild bleeding is likely to occur.

Although initially effective for 7 out of 10 people who have it, this procedure has a known higher recurrence rate than other treatment options available such as rubber band ligation.

2. Sclerotherapy

Another minimally invasive treatment option is sclerotherapy. Some people are familiar with this procedure as a way to treat varicose veins. A medical professional will inject a chemical solution into the swollen veins in the rectum, which damages the veins and causes them to shrivel. The procedure may have to be repeated multiple times to address the issue fully. 

Sclerotherapy works best on smaller, less advanced hemorrhoids.

3. Banding With the CRH O’Regan System

Banding can be one of the best ways to remove internal hemorrhoids and keep them from recurring. Endoscopic banding may seem like a better alternative, but this is an involved procedure that requires preparation and sedation. Hemorrhoid banding with the CRH O’Regan System is an excellent alternative to other methods of hemorrhoid banding. Instead of using metal forceps to keep the affected vein in place, a small disposable ligator applies gentle suction. This method requires no preparation or sedation, makes the procedure pain-free and should cause no discomfort after the procedure.

4. Traditional Banding

Another option some people undergo that is less invasive than surgery is hemorrhoid banding. This procedure works by cutting off the blood flow to hemorrhoids so the tissue dies, leaving scar tissue behind. This scar tissue helps to prevent further problems with hemorrhoids. A medical professional cuts off blood flow by wrapping internal hemorrhoids with a rubber band while they are held in place by metal forceps. Traditional rubber band ligation can involve quite a bit of pain, so you may still need to factor in some recovery time. 

5. Surgery

Some people think surgery is the only option to remove their hemorrhoids, and unfortunately, some doctors may only recommend surgery. They may recommend a hemorrhoidectomy, hemorrhoid stapling, atomizing or another procedure. Surgical procedures are invasive and can involve a lot of pain and a long recovery period, requiring you to put your life on pause for a bit. Surgery should be viewed as a last resort since other options may still work and cause less of a disruption to your life and less pain.

CRH Treatment for Internal Hemorrhoids

CRH O’Regan: Fast and Painless Treatment for Internal hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids may go unnoticed at first, but they can worsen and start to cause problems. You may need a long-term solution to resolve the issue. If you’re interested in removing your internal hemorrhoids in a way that is both effective and exceptionally comfortable, find a physician near you who can offer the CRH O’Regan System for hemorrhoid banding.

Heal Your Hemorrhoids Physician

Heal Your Hemorrhoids

Remove hemorrhoids gently and quickly. Learn about CRH O'Regan, or take action now:

Find a physician near you.

Quick Facts

3000 + Physicians Nationwide 1,000,000 Patients Trained 99% Effective Non-Surgical Solution One Minute Procedure No Prep, No Sedation, No Downtime Return to Work the Same Day

Heal Your Hemorrhoids

Remove hemorrhoids gently and quickly. Learn about CRH O'Regan, or take action now:

Find a physician near you.

Quick Facts

3000 + Physicians Nationwide 1,000,000 Patients Trained 99% Effective Non-Surgical Solution One Minute Procedure No Prep, No Sedation, No Downtime Return to Work the Same Day

Compare CRH O'Regan System

Versus Other Hemorrhoid Treatment Options