Bleeding Internal Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are caused by over exerting oneself during a bowel movement. They are swollen areas of skin and blood vessels around the anus.

External hemorrhoids develop around the external opening of the anus. They are highly innervated and sensitive, and at risk for thrombosis.

Internal hemorrhoids occur above the pectinate or dentate line in the anal canal. They are covered by a mucous membrane. The internal hemorrhoid is graded to assist with the selection of a treatment plan. The treatment is then provided according to the grade. The grade of the hemorrhoid depends on the extent of descent into the anal canal and out of the anus.

The most common sign of internal hemorrhoids is rectal bleeding. Hemorrhoids can ooze fresh red blood, whether located externally or internally. In bleeding internal hemorrhoids, you may notice blood in the stool.

How to deal with bleeding internal hemorrhoids

Consult a doctor immediately. If you are not aware of why you are bleeding then go for a check up as anal fissure can be mistaken for bleeding internal hemorrhoids.

Treatments for bleeding internal hemorrhoids

If the bleeding is not stopping with prescribed medication the doctor may recommend:

a) Rubber band ligation- One or two tiny rubber bands tied around the base of an internal hemorrhoid to cut off circulation and it eventually falls off.

b) Sclerotherapy- In this process a chemical solution is injected around the blood vessel to shrink the hemorrhoid.

c) Laser treatment- A burst of infrared light can cut off circulation to small, bleeding, internal hemorrhoids.

d) Hemorrhoidectomy- This is the last resort if other procedures fail. Here the surgery is done with either local anesthetic combined with sedation, and requires an overnight hospital stay.