What Do Hemorrhoids Feel Like? Recognizing Symptoms and When To Seek Help

Let’s talk about hemorrhoids. Not exactly dinner table conversation, but if you’ve ever felt that itchy, achy, or straight-up uncomfortable sensation back there, it’s worth a closer look. 

Maybe it feels like a little lump that shouldn’t be there, or your bathroom trips have become painful. Whatever it is, your body’s trying to tell you something and ignoring it won’t make it go away.

At The Honey Pot, we’re all about normalizing these conversations because understanding what’s going on with your body is the first step toward feeling better. If you’re wondering what hemorrhoids actually feel like, why they happen, or when to get help, we’ve got you covered. 

What Are Hemorrhoids?

What exactly are hemorrhoids? Think of them as swollen veins in your rectum or anus. These veins are already there, but when they get irritated or inflamed, that’s when hemorrhoids appear. They can be internally (inside the rectum) or externally (just under the skin around the anus). 

What Do Hemorrhoids Feel Like?

External hemorrhoids tend to be the ones you’ll notice first. They can itch, burn, or feel tender, especially when you sit down. Sometimes, you might feel a small lump or bump near your anus. Internal hemorrhoids, on the other hand, can be more subtle. They don’t always hurt, but if they’re irritated, they can cause bleeding during a bowel movement.

For some, it’s a dull ache. For others, it’s more of a sharp, stinging feel. Either way, your body is throwing up a red flag that something’s not quite right. 

What Causes Hemorrhoids?

When it comes to hemorrhoids, the causes aren’t as mysterious as you might think. In most cases, a few common factors contribute to the discomfort.

Let’s break it down:

Straining During Bowel Movements

Pushing too hard while on the toilet is one of the biggest offenders. Whether it’s from constipation or just rushing things, all that extra pressure can stress out the veins in your rectum, leading to hemorrhoids. 

Prolonged Sitting

Sitting for long periods, especially on hard surfaces, isn’t just bad for your back. It can also mess with the blood flow down there, causing veins to swell and turn into hemorrhoids. Office chairs can be part of the problem. 

Pregnancy and Childbirth

Pregnancy puts a lot of extra pressure on your body, including the veins around your rectum. Add in the strain of childbirth, and it’s no wonder hemorrhoids are a common part of pregnancy and childbirth.

Low-Fiber Diet

A diet lacking in fiber can lead to constipation, making it harder to go when nature calls. And as touched on previously, the more you strain, the more you risk developing hemorrhoids. It’s like a chain reaction to avoid. 

Heavy Lifting

Be it weights at the gym or that couch you’re determined to move on your own, heavy lifting ramps up abdominal pressure. And that pressure doesn’t just stay up top, it travels down, potentially giving rise to hemorrhoids. 

How Can You Alleviate Hemorrhoid Discomfort at Home?

Feeling uncomfortable from hemorrhoids? We have the essentials to help bring relief and make things easier.

From simple lifestyle tweaks to soothing products, here’s how you can ease the irritation and get some much-needed relief.

Soothe With Witch Hazel

If you are dealing with discomfort, witch hazel is your go-to for soothing relief and calming irritation. For a quick fix, swipe one of our Soothing Witch Hazel Hemorrhoidal Wipes.

These wipes are infused with witch hazel to soothe discomfort, keep you feeling fresh, and support a healthy pH. 

Try a Sitz Bath

A warm sitz bath is like a mini spa session for your bum. Fill a shallow basin with warm water, sit back (literally), and soak for 10 to 15 minutes. The warm water helps reduce swelling, soothes itching, and gives you a moment of relaxation in your otherwise busy day. Try doing this a couple of times daily for maximum relief. 

Add Fiber to Your Plate

Let’s talk about your diet because if it is lacking fiber, it could be contributing to discomfort. Fiber helps keep things moving smoothly, reducing the need to strain during bathroom time, which is a major trigger for hemorrhoids.

Fill your plate with fruits, veggies, whole grains, and legumes. And do not forget to stay hydrated. Fiber needs enough water to do its job effectively.

Cool Down and Soothe

Dealing with stubborn swelling? Grab a cold compress or wrap some ice in a clean cloth and apply it to the area for 10 to 15 minutes. The cold numbs the discomfort and helps bring down the irritation. It’s a quick, easy fix when you need a little relief fast.

Get Moving

Moving your body might be the last thing on your mind, but it makes a difference. Gentle exercise like walking or yoga improves circulation, reduces pressure on your lower body, and helps keep things regular.

Keep it Clean

Keeping the area clean is essential for preventing hemorrhoid discomfort. Upgrade your routine with our Sensitive Vulva Wash. 

Its pH-balanced formula and hydrating ingredients keep your skin feeling fresh and nourished. A must-have for gentle, soothing cleansing.

When Should You See a Doctor About Hemorrhoids?

Sometimes, hemorrhoids can improve with care at home, but there are times when seeking medical support is the best choice.

Here is when you should check in with a healthcare professional:

Bleeding That Doesn’t Add Up

A little blood on the toilet paper might not be a big deal, but if it’s happening regularly or in larger amounts, don’t brush it off. Bleeding can sometimes mean more than just hemorrhoids, so it’s worth getting a professional opinion.

Pain That Won’t Quit

If sitting, walking, or even standing becomes difficult because of the pain, it’s time to get some medical support. Persistent discomfort could signal a more serious issue.

Symptoms That Stick Around

If you’ve tried all the remedies (witch hazel, sitz baths, fiber) and you’re still not seeing progress after a week or so, a doctor can recommend treatments that go beyond what you can do at home.

Swelling or Lumps That Seem Off

If you notice a hard, swollen lump or something just feels unusual down there, don’t wait it out. Sometimes, hemorrhoids can form clots, which can cause extra pain and pressure. Fortunately, a doctor can help treat it quickly to bring you relief. 

Anything That Feels Unusual

And let’s not forget that you know your body best. If something doesn’t feel right, whether it’s increased discomfort, new symptoms, or just a general “this feels weird”, trust your gut and make the call. 

The Bottom Line

What do hemorrhoids feel like? They often bring itchiness, discomfort, and an overall sense of irritation that is hard to ignore.

The good news is you do not have to just sit and suffer. From soothing witch hazel to pH-balanced cleansers, there are ways to care for your body and get back to feeling like yourself. 

At The Honey Pot, we’ve got your back(side) with dermatologist-tested products made to keep your vulva, and everything around it, feeling its best. 

Sources:

Hemorrhoids - Symptoms and causes | Mayo Clinic

Hemorrhoids Treatment, Symptoms, Causes & Prevention | Cleveland Clinic

Hemorrhoids and what to do about them | Harvard Health

Constipation | Patient Education | UCSF Health