Blood or mucus in your stools can be a symptom of other illnesses as well. It can signal colorectal cancer or anal cancer, as well as hemorrhoids. [1] X Trustworthy Source Cedars Sinai Hospital Website of one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Be sure to check with your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Internal hemorrhoids are not painful because there are no pain fibers in the veins at that location.
Eat more foods high in fiber or take a fiber supplement. Follow the directions on the package if you decide to take a fiber supplement. Drink enough water so that you do not become dehydrated and your stool is softened. It is suggested that you drink between 9 and 13 cups of liquid per day. That is usually 6 to 8 full glasses of water. [5] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Prepare for your exam by writing down your symptoms, making a list of questions you have for your doctor, and continuing to try to soften your stool. Classically, hemorrhoids are painless and you can recognize them just from passing bright red blood through your rectum.
Make sure that the doctor does a digital rectal examination. This is when the doctor examines your rectum with a gloved, lubricated finger.
The sigmoidoscopy looks at the rectum and the lower colon, while the colonoscopy looks at the whole colon and rectum. [7] X Research source For both of these exams, your doctor will need to insert a scope into your anus. Anoscopy and endoscopy can also be used to diagnose internal hemorrhoids. With an anoscopy, the doctor inserts a thin lighted tube just a few inches into your rectum. [8] X Research source An endoscopy is similar, but the tube might be inserted further into your rectum or colon. [9] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Ligation: Tying a rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off blood flow. Injection of a chemical solution designed to shrink the hemorrhoid. Cauterization: burning the hemorrhoid. Hemorrhoidectomy: surgical removal of the hemorrhoid.
