Hemorrhoids, Is It a Good Idea to Pop Them?

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids come in two forms: internal and external, which are swollen or inflamed veins surrounding the anus or lower rectum. Internal piles are located high up in the anal canal, while external piles are found hanging around the outside of your bottom, set just behind the anus.

Internal hemorrhoids have four grades of severity, with grade I being mildest and grade IV being most severe. Symptoms for each level include painless bleeding during bowel movements, discomfort while sitting down, itching/swelling near the anus, and protrusion of tissue from the anus. External hemorrhoids usually cause symptoms similar to internal hemorrhoids though they tend not to last as long.

Grade I – no visible signs of internal or external hemorrhoids

Most people who struggle daily with piles have swelling that falls under grade I. This stage is characterized by swelling around the anus, but usually with no symptoms such as bleeding or itchiness. 

Grade II – visible signs of internal hemorrhoids, no external hemorrhoids

Symptoms will begin to appear in grade II. However, they are somewhat minor and can include small bulging veins around the anus and rectal bleeding when wiping after a bowel movement.

Grade III – both internal and external hemorrhoids present

In grade III, visible (both internal and external piles) will appear along with symptoms like bleeding and itching. At this point, piles can be quite painful, and most sufferers struggle to sit down or walk around without discomfort.

Grade IV – severe external and internal hemorrhoid swelling

In grade IV, visible external and internal piles become even more enlarged and protrude through the anus.

What are hemorrhoid symptoms?

Symptoms can include bleeding during a bowel movement, itching and pain in the anal area, and discomfort during bowel movements, which may cause you to strain excessively while trying to push it out. External hemorrhoids tend not to last as long nor be as severe as internal. However, since external piles hang outside the body, they are more likely to become irritated by things like sitting or wiping incorrectly, leading to them becoming thrombose, which will hurt like hell for several days if left untreated (and can even require hospitalization).

Should you pop hemorrhoids?

NO! This is not advised. Popping can lead to infection of the hemorrhoid, further pain, discomfort, or even hemorrhage (bleeding that will not stop). Yes, popping initially feels good due to the release of pressure in the area, but if left untreated, piles can worsen and lead to severe bleeding due to the bursting. If you need to get rid of them, it is best to consult a doctor.

What happens if you pop hemorrhoids?

If you feel like you need to get rid of your piles, it is best to consult a doctor and not attempt to treat them yourself with popping or removal. It is also important that you do not attempt to pop when you are experiencing symptoms of thrombosis. Popping can lead to serious hemorrhages due to the pile bursting.

What are hemorrhoid treatments?

The best treatments include hemorrhoidectomy, rubber band ligation, and sclerotherapy. Hemorrhoidectomy is the surgical removal of hemorrhoids (both internal and external), while rubber band ligation involves placing an elastic band around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply.

Prevention is the best treatment. If they become a thrombosed hemorrhoid, sit in a warm bath several times daily until they become less painful and decrease in size. If you have external piles that seem irritated or are bleeding when wiping, try an over-the-counter external cream containing hydrocortisone; ask your pharmacist to recommend one for external relief.

Sit in a tub of steaming hot water for 15 to 20 minutes several times daily; this increases blood flow and soothes the pain and itching. If you think you have problems, ask your pharmacist for external relief or remedy products that contain benzocaine. This topical anesthetic reduces outward hemorrhoid symptoms such as pains and itching.

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.