Hemorrhoid Symptoms: 10 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Hemorrhoids don’t always scream for attention — sometimes, they whisper. Other times, they cause severe pain that disrupts your entire day.

Knowing the signs can help you act early, avoid complications, and find relief faster.

Here are the 10 most common hemorrhoid symptoms — ranked by urgency.

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1. Bright Red Blood on Toilet Paper or in the Bowl

This is the #1 sign of internal hemorrhoids. The blood is bright red because it comes from the lower rectum — close to the exit.

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2. Itching Around the Anus (Pruritus Ani)

External hemorrhoids often cause persistent itching due to:

• Mucus leakage
• Skin irritation
• Poor hygiene from discomfort

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3. Pain or Discomfort When Sitting

If you feel a dull ache or sharp pain when sitting — especially on hard surfaces — it may be an external or thrombosed hemorrhoid.

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4. Swelling or Lump Near the Anus

A soft lump = likely prolapsed internal hemorrhoid.
A hard, bluish lump = likely thrombosed external hemorrhoid.

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5. Feeling of Fullness or Pressure in the Rectum

Even after a bowel movement, you may feel like you “didn’t finish.” This is common with Grade II–III internal hemorrhoids.

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6. Mucus Discharge

Internal hemorrhoids can secrete mucus — leading to moisture, irritation, and odor.

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7. Pain During Bowel Movements

Not typical for internal hemorrhoids — but common with fissures or thrombosed hemorrhoids.

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8. Prolapse (Tissue That Bulges Out)

Grades II–IV hemorrhoids may protrude during straining. Grade IV stays out permanently.

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9. Difficulty Cleaning After Bowel Movements

Swelling and lumps can make wiping difficult — leading to residual stool, irritation, and infection risk.

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10. Worsening Symptoms at Night

Many report increased itching or throbbing pain at night — possibly due to relaxed muscles or increased awareness when lying down.

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Symptom Checker: When to Worry

Symptom	Likely Cause	Action
Bright red blood	Internal hemorrhoid	Monitor, increase fiber
Hard, painful lump	Thrombosed hemorrhoid	See doctor within 48h
Dark stool + dizziness	Upper GI bleed	ER immediately
Itching + moisture	External hemorrhoid	Keep dry, use barrier cream
Prolapse that won’t retract	Grade III–IV hemorrhoid	Consult proctologist

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FAQs

Can hemorrhoids cause back pain?

Rarely — but severe pain can radiate. More often, back pain is unrelated. If you have both, see a doctor to rule out other causes.

Do hemorrhoids cause gas or bloating?

No — but constipation (a cause of hemorrhoids) can. Treat the constipation, and both may improve.

Can you have hemorrhoids without bleeding?

Yes — external and thrombosed hemorrhoids often cause pain or swelling without bleeding.

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Learn more about symptoms and stages.