What are hemorrhoids? Many people sort of know what they are but are unsure of the different types and symptoms associated with hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids, also referred to as piles, are masses of veins that have widened around the wall of the rectum and in tissue at the opening of the anus. Hemorrhoids are varicose (swollen or dilated) in nature. Internal hemorrhoids are referred to as the veins located on the inside of the anus, and external hemorrhoids refer to the varicose veins around the outer surface of the anus. If you're bleeding after a bowel movement, this is generally a hint that the hemorrhoids are internal. External hemorrhoid symptoms usually involve pain, itching and soreness around the outside of the anus.

What causes hemorrhoids?:

Hemorrhoids are typically caused by straining the muscles too much during a bowel movement. This pressure on the tissue, also increases the pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus and then the varicose veins, either externally or internally, are created which causes the pain and suffering.

If you have difficult bowel movements, this can also be a cause for hemorrhoids. Typically this would involve recurrent constipation for a month or so.

Diarrhea is also a common cause of hemorrhoids if you are constantly having to go and adding strain to the tissue around the anus.

Pregnancy, surprisingly enough, is a very common way for women to get hemorrhoids.

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?:

The symptoms (some of which were mentioned above) include itching, burning and pain around and inside the anus area. Most of the common symptoms we associate with hemorrhoids are caused by exterior hemorrhoids and we may find tender swelling or a hard lump around the anus. This hard lump or tender swelling is caused when a clot of blood forms around the anus, usually from a varicose vein. The problem is that at this point the symptoms tend to become worse if your are having recurrent constipation or wiping too aggressively.

How can I get rid of hemorrhoids?:

Of course you can go see a doctor and you may get a prescription if your hemorrhoids are severe enough, and you can also look on the web for hemorrhoid supplements and tonics that help the digestive system and then you can also find an all natural hemorrhoid treatment that you can apply topically to the anus, usually in ointment or lotion form.

Are there any hemorrhoid home remedies?

Luckily, there are a lot of home remedies to stop hemorrhoids in their tracks. Some of these include applying Aloe Vera gel directly to the anus which should relieve any burning sensations cause by hemorrhoids. Other hemorrhoid treatments include using Bayberry, Goldenseal root, myrrh and white oak in a salve seem to relieve pain associated with hemorrhoids.