Hemorrhoids commonly cause rectal bleeding, itching, and pain. Sometimes, mucousy discharge or fecal soiling may also occur.[1] If bleeding occurs, it is usually bright red, painless, and may be visible during or right after a bowel movement in the toilet bowl or on toilet paper.[2] A study that assessed the frequency of hemorrhoids in participants undergoing colorectal cancer screening found that over half of individuals with hemorrhoid disease did not have any symptoms.[3]
Symptoms can also depend on the type of hemorrhoid. External hemorrhoids may be visible as a swollen bump on the anal opening and can be quite painful, as the area has many nerves for sensing pain. Alternatively, internal hemorrhoids are usually not visible unless they are prolapsed (the blood vessel becomes displaced and protrudes out of the anus) and are often painless, as there are no pain receptors in that region of the rectum. Both types of hemorrhoids can become thrombosed, during which a harmless (but painful) blood clot forms in the hemorrhoid.[1][4]
Many of the symptoms of hemorrhoids can occur due to other more serious health conditions and therefore proper diagnosis by a healthcare provider is always recommended.[1]