How Common Are Hemorrhoids? Internal, External, Thrombosed and Pregnancy Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are not considered to be polite dinner conversation, but there is a high possibility that those you are dining with are currently suffering or have suffered from hemorrhoids. 

Technically, all of us have hemorrhoids, or piles as they are sometimes referred to. 

These hemorrhoids are the veins located in the inner rectal lining as well as underneath the skin around the anus. 

When people say they have hemorrhoids, they are referring to the inflammation and irritation of these veins and the symptoms they produce. 

This problem is so common that nearly half of Americans at age 50 or older have or are currently experiencing this condition. 

The question still remains; why do older people tend to experience the uncomfortable and sometimes painful ailment that is inflamed hemorrhoids? 

Some researchers and health experts have hypothesized that as our bodies age, certain muscles, tissue, and lining weaken, all of which hold the hemorrhoid veins in place. 

This can resulting in internal, external, thrombosed or prolapsed hemorrhoids, along with all the symptoms associated with them. 

Are Hemorrhoids Common During Pregnancy? 

It is very common to have hemorrhoids during pregnancy, and many women in the later trimesters tend to experience inflamed hemorrhoids even more so. 

This is because as the uterus expands, the veins experience additional pressure.  Hemorrhoid veins under pressure can result in swelling and inflammation.

Another reason why pregnant women are more susceptible to experience hemorrhoids is that with pregnancy, a typical symptom is constipation. 

Hemorrhoids are associated with chronic constipation as straining on the toilet further inflames and irritates the veins.

For more information on chronic hemorrhoids, click here.

How Common are Hemorrhoids After Childbirth?

Women who deliver babies vaginally are at a high risk of experiencing hemorrhoids and hemorrhoid symptoms than those who deliver via cesarean section. 

A long, intensive, hours-long labor forces straining on the lower abdominal region, and in turn, hemorrhoids become swollen. 

Labor mimics the act of straining on the toilet, emulating what our bodies do when they are experiencing constipation.

Of course, after delivery, hemorrhoid symptoms will still persist due to the inflammation, and therefore, hemorrhoids are extremely common after childbirth. 

Hemorrhoid pain is very common after pregnancy. Hemorrhoid bleeding is also a common symptom post pregnancy.

After giving birth, it is recommended that new mothers practice self-care to relieve their hemorrhoid symptoms. 

We have a hemorrhoid relief guide than can help you get relief from your hemorrhoids.

How Common are Hemorrhoids in Young Adults? 

Older people between ages 45-65 experience hemorrhoids more commonly than not, but this doesn’t mean they are age-exclusive. 

Young adults experience swollen hemorrhoids as well. 

However, it is not as common for young adults to experience hemorrhoids. 

The reason inflammation of the hemorrhoids can occur is often a case of chronic constipation or diarrhea. 

A simple bout of the stomach flu or a particularly nasty virus can bring on constipation and diarrhea, thus resulting in the inflammation of the lower rectal veins.

Young adults with chronic illnesses like Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Crohn’s Disease will commonly experience inflamed hemorrhoids and its corresponding symptoms.

How Common are Thrombosed Hemorrhoids?

A thrombosed hemorrhoid is an external hemorrhoid in which a blood clot has formed inside of it. 

This blood clot will most likely feel like a lump around the anal opening and can be quite painful and sensitive to the touch. 

Blood clots can go away on their own, but sometimes can leave behind a skin tag. 

This excess skin can rub and cause further irritation through friction.  To prevent this, it’s best to see your doctor about removing the blood clot. 

Fortunately, thrombosed hemorrhoids are not very common, but if you do experience a thrombosed hemorrhoid, know that it is not considered dangerous. 

External hemorrhoids are more common than those that experience thrombosis, and with this type of hemorrhoid, you may feel a bump or a swollen area around the anus. 

External hemorrhoids are the more uncomfortable of the two types.  The blood clot stemming from the thrombosed hemorrhoid may need to be lanced and drained by a medical professional.

How Common are Internal Hemorrhoids?

Internal hemorrhoids is one the two types of hemorrhoids.  This type of hemorrhoid is possibly one of the more common hemorrhoids experienced by adults. 

With internal hemorrhoids, a harden stool may pass through the lower rectal region and scrape the topmost surface of the rectal lining, resulting in painless bleeding. 

This can also swell and irritate the veins. 

The only way to really know you have internal hemorrhoids is by the painless bleeding that is visible after a bowel movement. 

The swelling of your hemorrhoids usually subsides in a matter of days to a few weeks. 

Whether you are 45 years of age or a young adult, there are ways to help keep your colon regular, healthy, and happy, avoiding hemorrhoid symptoms all together. 

A high fiber diet that includes fruits, vegetables, or fiber supplements that can be added to beverages and meals can help regulate bowel movements and prevent inflammation of the hemorrhoid veins. 

Consuming fluids throughout the day, preferably eight glasses of water as doctors typically recommend, will soften stool and promote healthier bowel movements. 

These simple adjustments to your diet can do wonders in the prevention of hemorrhoid inflammation. 

Easier to pass stools won’t disrupt the delicate lining of hemorrhoid veins inside your lower rectum.

Of course, if you should experience bleeding or pain in your rectal region, be sure to inform your doctor. You may also want to see a hemorrhoid doctor to find out if hemorrhoid surgery is a good option for you.

What Are the Most Common Hemorrhoid Products?

There are many different types of hemorrhoid products that you can use to get relief from hemorrhoids. Many of these products will help stop hemorrhoid itching and burning.

Common hemorrhoid products for relief, include:

• hemorrhoid wipes
• hemorrhoid creams
• hemorrhoid supplements
• fiber supplements
• hemorrhoid donuts
• hemorrhoid suppositories
• hemorrhoid ice packs

Most common types of hemorrhoid surgeries or procedures.

Popular hemorrhoid procedures or surgeries include:

• hemorrhoidectomy
• rubber band ligation (banding)
• sclerotherapy
• infrared coagulation
• hemorrhoid laser surgery

Hemorrhoids are a common cause to many issues in this area of the body, but you will want to be sure if your doctor feels it necessary to run additional tests and examinations