Hemorrhoids are swollen veins around the rectum or anus area. More than three million people are diagnosed with hemorrhoids each year in the United States. Although a specific cause of hemorrhoids is not known, they are common in those who are obese, pregnant, or of advanced age.

Dealing with hemorrhoids can be difficult. They may make it difficult to sit or pass a bowel movement. To help with pain or discomfort caused by hemorrhoids, you can try the following:

Drinking 6-8 glasses of water every day
Eating a diet that is high in fiber, or taking a fiber supplement
Soaking in a warm bath each day
Your doctor may be able to diagnose you with hemorrhoids simply by looking, but if your hemorrhoids are internal and not external, a rectal examination may need to be performed by your doctor.

Download our guide to hemorrhoids to learn more about the symptoms of hemorrhoids and how to treat them.

Download the Free “Guide to Detecting Hemorrhoids”