Hemorrhoids can be a tricky business to diagnose, as many of their symptoms overlap with other conditions in the perineal region. Learning how you get hemorrhoids (or piles, as they’re sometimes called), differentiating between the two types of hemorrhoids (external vs. internal hemorrhoids) and correctly identifying hemorrhoid symptoms will help ensure proper treatment. Managing the causes of hemorrhoids acts as a method of prevention and speeds up healing.
Our “do I have a hemorrhoid quiz” is helpful if you’re noticing signs and wondering how to know if you have hemorrhoids. The quiz does not, however, replace the advice and direction of a healthcare professional. If your symptoms are increasing or severe (particularly any atypical amount of bleeding), you should seek medical attention at once.
Find the quiz by scrolling down or clicking here.
Who are we? We’re Doctor Butler’s, experts in down-there care of hemorrhoids and related conditions. We make proctologist-developed hemorrhoid ointments and complementary products to help you quickly leave the pain behind. Dr. Robert Cutler medically reviews all of the information here.
Recognizing Hemorrhoid Symptoms
What are hemorrhoids? They are a complex of veins that lie along the anal canal, though the word hemorrhoid is more commonly invoked to describe their pathologic symptoms than actual physical structure1. Constipation, diarrhea, abnormal straining, extra weight (pregnancy or obesity), age and prolonged periods of sitting on the toilet can all lead to hemorrhoids. The excess pressure placed on these veins causes them to swell, at which point an array of unpleasant symptoms can ensue. As there’s a good chance these symptoms brought you to our hemorrhoid quiz, let’s review some common characteristics of hemorrhoids:
- Pain or discomfort
- Itching
- Swelling
- Bleeding during bowel movements (on toilet paper or in toilet bowl)
- Red, irritated or tender skin
- Small, purplish lumps
Hemorrhoids are classified based on their location and degree of prolapse2. Internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids may seem easy to differentiate, but a prolapsed internal hemorrhoid can easily be mistaken for its external counterpart. Learning how to know if you have internal or external hemorrhoids can help you manage symptoms.
Internal hemorrhoids typically do not give rise to symptoms until they are prolapsed, when an engorged hemorrhoid bulges outside of the anus. A prolapsed hemorrhoid forms a painless lump that causes itchiness and irritation and may lead to mucus discharge (and resulting foul smell), fecal soiling or a sense of incomplete evacuation. External hemorrhoids form around the sensitive skin of the anus and anal lining and are significantly painful as a result. They are more exposed to external friction (sitting, walking, wiping) and are easily irritated and often bleed.
Unfortunately, pain in this region can also indicate the presence of other conditions such as an anal fissure or perianal abscess. Any confusion about the source of rectal pain should be brought to the attention of a medical professional for a review of patient history, a clinical examination and even a digital assessment to ensure proper diagnosis.
Hemorrhoid Self-Assessment Quiz
When to Seek Medical Evaluation
Now that you’ve taken a ‘do I have hemorrhoids quiz’, you’re aware of the signs that indicate you are dealing with a hemorrhoid. Staying attuned to your symptoms and keeping track of their length of time and severity will not only help your treatment of hemorrhoids, but is necessary for rooting out co-existing disorders, further complications or more significant diagnoses.
Seeing a proctologist for an examination will include an assessment of your patient history and clinical examination. A digital examination or anoscopy could be utilized, and your doctor will inspect you for evidence of external hemorrhoids (anal skin tags, perianal dermatitis), anal fissures and other perianal disorders that can be confused with hemorrhoids. If you are experiencing chronic hemorrhoids or have a thrombosed hemorrhoid, your proctologist may also discuss procedure options for removal and an overall treatment plan.
If your attempts at treating hemorrhoids with at-home or self-care methods have not been successful, or if you find that your symptoms increase in severity, you should seek medical attention at once.
Embracing Anorectal Care and Prevention
If you sense you have a hemorrhoid (and take a quiz to find out!), you are undoubtedly experiencing symptoms. Remember that there are ways to prevent future flare-ups and manage hemorrhoids as they occur. Tending to your anorectal health with a high-fiber diet, proper hydration and regular exercise also helps fight a litany of other medical issues (diabetes, high cholesterol). Practice good bathroom habits and stay alert at the first sign of symptoms – the Doctor Butler’s team is here to help!
Sources
- Sun, Z., & Migaly, J. (2016). Review of Hemorrhoid Disease: Presentation and Management. Clinics in colon and rectal surgery, 29(1), 22–29. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0035-1568144
- Lohsiriwat V. (2012). Hemorrhoids: from basic pathophysiology to clinical management. World journal of gastroenterology, 18(17), 2009–2017. https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v18.i17.2009
- Lohsiriwat V. (2012). Hemorrhoids: from basic pathophysiology to clinical management. World journal of gastroenterology, 18(17), 2009–2017. https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v18.i17.2009
- Lotfollahzadeh S, Recio-Boiles A, Cagir B. Colon Cancer. [Updated 2023 Jun 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470380/
- Duan B, Zhao Y, Bai J, et al. Colorectal Cancer: An Overview. In: Morgado-Diaz JA, editor. Gastrointestinal Cancers [Internet]. Brisbane (AU): Exon Publications; 2022 Sep 30. Chapter 1. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK586003/ doi: 10.36255/exon-publications-gastrointestinal-cancers-colorectal-cancer
- Smith, D., Ballal, M., Hodder, R., Soin, G., Selvachandran, S. N., & Cade, D. (2006). Symptomatic presentation of early colorectal cancer. Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, 88(2), 185–190. https://doi.org/10.1308/003588406X94904
About Robert Cutler, D.O.
Dr. Robert Cutler has performed duties as a specialist in the field of Proctology over 30 years as a practicing physician. Over this time, he has had great success integrating patient care from both an efficiency standpoint and as a practical approach to holistic and preventative medicine.
Dr. Cutler also performs FDA approved Clinical Trials and has had formal research training in Human Subject Assurance Training, OHRP/NIH and Good Clinical Practice for Investigators, Quintiles. Dr. Cutler continues to work on creating more affordable solutions to help people who are affected by ano-rectal problems as well as various chronic or acute skin issues.
