Internal Hemorrhoids: Causes, Symptoms, and What Actually Helps

When you hear internal hemorrhoids, swollen veins inside the rectum that often bleed but don’t hurt. Also known as rectal varicosities, they’re one of the most frequent reasons people avoid seeing a doctor—even when they’re bleeding or feeling pressure. Unlike external hemorrhoids, which sit under the skin around the anus and can be painful and lumpy, internal ones hide inside. That’s why many people don’t realize they have them until they see blood on the toilet paper or in the bowl. It’s not cancer. It’s not an emergency. But ignoring it doesn’t make it go away.

These veins swell because of pressure—long periods on the toilet, chronic constipation, pregnancy, heavy lifting, or even just sitting too much. The rectal bleeding, bright red blood that appears during or after a bowel movement is the biggest red flag. It’s usually painless, which is why people think it’s no big deal. But if you’re seeing blood regularly, something’s wrong with how your bowels are working. And if you’re straining every time you go, you’re making it worse. The anal discomfort, a feeling of fullness, pressure, or itching deep inside the rectum often comes before the bleeding. It’s not sharp pain—it’s a dull, persistent ache that doesn’t go away after you wipe.

Most people try over-the-counter creams or wipes, but those only mask the surface. What actually helps? Fiber. Water. Movement. Changing how you sit on the toilet. Studies show that people who eat 25–30 grams of fiber a day cut their hemorrhoid flare-ups by nearly half. Sitting on a cushion, not the hard toilet seat, reduces pressure. Standing up every 30 minutes helps too. And if you’re pushing hard to go, you’re not constipated—you’re doing it wrong. The body should move naturally, without effort. If it doesn’t, your diet, hydration, or habits need fixing. Surgery is rare. Most cases get better with simple, daily changes.

What you’ll find below are real, practical guides from people who’ve been there. No fluff. No hype. Just clear advice on how to stop the bleeding, ease the pressure, and avoid the next flare-up—without drugs or surgery. You’ll see what works, what doesn’t, and how to take control before it gets worse.