Hemorrhoids — what they feel like and how to get relief fast

Half of adults get hemorrhoids at some point. If you’ve felt itching, a lump near the anus, or bright red blood on the toilet paper, you’re not alone. Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the rectum or around the anus. They can be painful or barely noticeable, and most of the time you can treat them at home.

Spot the symptoms

Common signs include itching, burning, pain during bowel movements, a soft lump near the anus, and bright red bleeding on stool or paper. Internal hemorrhoids usually cause painless bleeding; external ones cause pain and swelling. If you notice heavy bleeding, a big, painful lump, or changes in bowel habits, get medical attention.

Wondering why they show up? Straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation or diarrhea, pregnancy, long sitting periods, and heavy lifting raise pressure in the pelvic veins and can trigger hemorrhoids. Simple lifestyle changes often make a big difference.

Fast home fixes that actually help

Start with these easy steps: soften stools and avoid straining. Drink more water, add fiber (fruits, beans, oats, or a bulk fiber supplement like psyllium), and try to go when you feel the urge. Use moist wipes instead of dry toilet paper to lower irritation.

For quick pain and swelling control, try a sitz bath: sit in warm water for 10–15 minutes, two to three times a day. Over-the-counter creams and suppositories with hydrocortisone or witch hazel can ease itching and reduce inflammation for short-term use. Cold packs help pain from external hemorrhoids.

If home care doesn’t work after a week or two, or bleeding keeps happening, see a doctor. They can offer in-office treatments like rubber band ligation (small bands cut off blood supply), sclerotherapy (injecting a solution), or infrared coagulation. For severe or recurring cases, outpatient surgery (hemorrhoidectomy) or stapled procedures may be recommended.

What about pain meds and safety? Simple pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen help while you heal. Avoid long-term steroid creams without a doctor’s OK, and don’t use strong topical numbing agents regularly. If you’re on blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder, talk to your provider before trying treatments that involve bleeding or injections.

Prevention tips that stick: eat more fiber, drink water, move daily, and avoid sitting for long spells. When you must sit (like at work), stand or walk every hour. And don’t strain—if you’re constipated, address that first.

Got questions about a treatment or pain that won’t quit? Talk to your healthcare provider. Hemorrhoids are common and usually manageable, but a quick check-up can rule out other causes of rectal bleeding and get you the right fix fast.