Hemorrhoids are swollen veins present in the lower rectum or around the anus. By the age of 50, half of all adults experience the signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids might either be external or internal. In the latter, the hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum or anus. But in the former, the hemorrhoids develop outside the anus and is more prevalently known as piles. Most people have external hemorrhoids, and they might be pretty uncomfortable.

What are the critical signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids? Let us find out.

1. Signs of Internal Hemorrhoids
As the internal hemorrhoids are found inside the rectum, you cannot feel or see them. They may not hurt as there are certain pain-sensing nerves present in the region. When you have internal hemorrhoids, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Bloody Stools
  You may find blood on the toilet paper after wiping the area, or in the poop, or the toilet bowl. This is one of the first signs of internal hemorrhoids.
• Prolapse
  It is a tissue that sticks out of the anal opening. Usually, in prolapse, it will hurt while passing stools. When you have prolapsed hemorrhoids, you can see them as moist bumps. These bumps are slightly pinkier than the enveloping area. However, there is not much to be done about them as they will mostly go back on their own. If they do not go back, you can gently push them inside.

2. Signs of External Hemorrhoids
In external hemorrhoids, you can feel a hard lump in the area, and this can make you quite uncomfortable, especially while passing stools or even while wiping. In most cases, the external hemorrhoids are quite painful as several nerve endings are located around the anus. Some of the key signs of external hemorrhoids include bleeding during bowel movements, tenderness when wiping, burning sensation around the anus, anal pain, and swelling around the anus.

3. Signs of Thrombosed Hemorrhoids
When hemorrhoids have led to a blood clot inside, it is known as the thrombosed hemorrhoid. It may happen in the case of both internal and external hemorrhoids. Some of the key signs of thrombosed hemorrhoid are sudden onset of pain followed by constant pain.

The thrombosed hemorrhoids are purple or blue. They seem like a bulge or a lump and are firm to touch. Even though the thrombosed hemorrhoid is not very dangerous, it will be painful.

3. Signs of Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
Pregnancy heightens the pressure on the abdomen. Consequently, the vascular tissue in the anus and the rectum might swell. Women usually experience hemorrhoids in their third trimester, and approximately 33 percent of women experience them. Women might also develop hemorrhoids during childbirth. During pregnancy, the hemorrhoids might develop in the same manner as those in non-pregnant women or men. So, hemorrhoids may be external, internal, or might become thrombosed.