Internal hemorrhoids are inflamed veins on the inside of the anal passage. Some internal hemorrhoids can be as small as a pea while others can be as big as a golf ball.
Internal hemorrhoids sometimes result in debilitating pain, most notably while passing stools or sitting down. They are most commonly identified by seeing bright red blood in or on the stool or toilet paper.
Although it is still not known exactly what causes internal hemorrhoids, a range of frequently related factors which often lead to internal hemorrhoids have been identified. A few of the main ones are explained below.
Constipation:Those who are affected by constipation for long amounts of time are highly exposed to hemorrhoids. Straining excessively during bowel movement (as caused by constipation) often causes ruptures in blood vessels which lead to hemorrhoids.
Hard Stools contribute to internal hemorrhoids: Unnaturally hard stools which are difficult to pass through the anal canal cause pain and can cause sufficient damage to cause internal hemorrhoids. Ensuring a high intake of foods such as vegetables, fruits and cereals whill help soften stools.
Pregnancy increases the risk of hemorrhoids: Pregnant women are commonly bothered with internal or external hemorrhoids. Som statistics show that 1 in 4 pregnant women suffer from hemorrhoids. This is partly due to an increase in blood volume and pressure to the veins in the anal canal during the pregnancy. Internal hemorrhoids can also be the result of extreme straining during childbirth.