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Do you have hemorrhoids that bleed frequently? Usually, there is no reason to worry. © AndreyPopov/Imago
Everyone has hemorrhoids, but many have abnormally enlarged hemorrhoids. Bleeding is common in these cases. They are usually harmless – but not always.
Does bright red blood on the toilet paper regularly alarm you? Bleeding shortly after or during a bowel movement is a common symptom of hemorrhoids. The bleeding is often painless and can vary in intensity. There are usually no serious problems behind it. But in some cases you should see a doctor.
Hemorrhoids: More than half of all older adults affected
Hemorrhoids are basically completely normal, everyone has them. They are vascular cushions at the exit of the rectum. They seal the intestine and control bowel movements. Problems only arise when they become abnormally enlarged. Doctors then speak of hemorrhoidal disease. And this is not rare: more than half of all adults over 30 will suffer from it in the course of their lives, according to information from the University Hospital Zurich.
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Bleeding is often the first sign that sufferers notice. It occurs when hard stools injure the swollen vascular cushions. The bleeding is usually bright red and painless. With first-degree hemorrhoids, the bleeding is rather light and can be seen on toilet paper and stool. With second-degree hemorrhoids, bleeding from the anus can become more severe and the blood can drip out.
When to go to the doctor?
In cases of mild hemorrhoids, blood on the toilet paper is not a sign of a serious illness. But blood in the stool is a different story. “It doesn’t matter whether it’s light or dark, regular or rare: blood doesn’t belong in the stool,” says Professor Antonio Nocito, chief surgeon at the Cantonal Hospital Baden (KSB)“Because blood in the stool can be an indication of an internal disease,” it continues on the pages of the KSBThe Federal Ministry of Health also strongly advises that blood in the stool should always be checked by a doctor.
The treating doctor will initiate further tests, such as a colonoscopy. If the diagnosis remains “hemorrhoidal disease”, the treatment depends on the severity. In mild cases, conservative measures such as ointments, suppositories and sitz baths often help. In more severe cases (grades three and four, the hemorrhoids protrude from the anus), surgical intervention may be necessary.
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This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It is in no way a substitute for a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not permitted to answer individual questions about medical conditions.
