Hemorrhoid Or Prolapse? How To Spot The Difference

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins inside the anus that can cause pain, itchiness, bleeding, and discomfort. Prolapsed hemorrhoids are hemorrhoids that have become large enough to be visible from the outside of the body. This article explores and highlights the differences and similarities between hemorrhoids and prolapse hemorrhoids.

What is a Hemorrhoid? What is a Prolapse?

Hemorrhoids can be either internal or external, which will typically protrude from the hole in your bottom through a flap of skin called a “pallent.” 

A prolapse occurs when a hemorrhoid becomes so swollen that it pushes past this flap of skin and begins to protrude outwards. 

If you touch a hemorrhoid at this point, you’ll feel a soft spongy mass rather than something hard and bony like the hemorrhoid bone.

Knowing The Difference, Hemorrhoid or Prolapse

The difference between hemorrhoids and prolapsed hemorrhoids is how far they can protrude from the body. Hemorrhoids typically cause problems simply because they’re enlarged but don’t ever protrude out of the anus. In contrast, prolapse hemorrhoids do come out of the anus or even droop down behind it.

Hemorrhoid Symptoms

The symptoms associated with hemorrhoids include itching, discomfort, bleeding, etc. Most people experience these symptoms, either due to excess pressure on the hemorrhoid veins or an external factor like straining during bowel movements. Other symptoms may include:

– Bleeding associated with bowel movements

– Intense pain that doesn’t resolve within three days

– Prolapsed hemorrhoids that won’t shrink back into the anal canal

– A lump surrounding your anus that is growing in size

– Chronic constipation or diarrhea

Prolapsed Symptoms

It usually takes a long time to become large enough to protrude out of the anus. Prolapse hemorrhoid symptoms typically include the following:

– hemorrhoids protruding past your anus

– itching around the anal area- swollen veins around the anus

– difficulty wiping after using the toilet

– bleeding around the anal area

– swelling of your legs and feet because of blood pooling around hemorrhoidal veins

If you think you have prolapsed hemorrhoids, you must contact your doctor and set up an appointment.

Hemorrhoid vs. Prolapse Treatment

Many hemorrhoid treatments are available, such as creams, ointments, and tablets, but these won’t work for prolapse hemorrhoids. 

The only hemorrhoid treatment options available to sufferers of prolapsed hemorrhoids are surgery and hemorrhoidectomy (the surgical removal of the hemorrhoids). The procedure can offer excellent results and typically involves a short recovery period. 

Also, suppose you’re too uncomfortable or embarrassed to leave the house. In that case, it’s possible to treat hemorrhoids at home using specific diets and lifestyle changes. See your doctor for a treatment plan when dealing with either condition.

Ask your doctor about HemWell, an FDA-approved, pain-free treatment that’s permanent. If your provider doesn’t offer HemWell, we can assist you in finding one that does. Please visit our website to learn more about this life-changing treatment. Learn more about hemorrhoids.