What are the harms of hemorrhoids?

Sep 16, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Li Jingxiang

Introduction

In general, if hemorrhoids are not treated in a timely manner, potential complications may include recurrent bleeding, local pain and discomfort, difficulty in defecation, perianal infection, and reduced quality of life. Daily care should include maintaining perianal hygiene, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, consuming more foods rich in dietary fiber, and ensuring smooth bowel movements to reduce the frequency and complications of hemorrhoid flare-ups.

In general, if hemorrhoids are not promptly treated, they may lead to various complications including recurrent bleeding, local pain and discomfort, difficulty in defecation, perianal infections, and reduced quality of life. The specific risks are analyzed as follows:

1. Recurrent bleeding: During bowel movements, the hemorrhoidal tissue in patients with hemorrhoids is easily irritated or ruptured by hard stool, leading to rectal bleeding—typically seen as blood on the surface of the stool or dripping after defecation. Long-term, repeated bleeding can result in iron-deficiency anemia, causing symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and pale complexion, thereby affecting normal bodily functions.

2. Local pain and discomfort: Thrombosis or inflammation of external hemorrhoids can cause significant pain. If internal hemorrhoids prolapse and cannot be pushed back, they may become incarcerated, resulting in severe pain. This pain often worsens during bowel movements, walking, or prolonged sitting, causing persistent discomfort.

3. Difficulty in defecation: Pain and rectal bleeding caused by hemorrhoids may make patients fearful of defecation, prompting them to intentionally reduce bowel movements. This prolongs stool retention in the intestines, leading to excessive water absorption, harder and drier stools, and further exacerbating constipation and defecation difficulties.

4. Perianal infection: When hemorrhoids prolapse, the anal sphincter muscle may relax, allowing secretions to leak out and irritate the skin around the anus, causing itching and moisture. If the hemorrhoidal tissue becomes damaged and is not properly cleaned, bacteria may enter the wound, potentially leading to perianal abscesses or anal fistulas—serious infectious conditions that increase treatment complexity.

5. Reduced quality of life: Symptoms such as pain, bleeding, and itching from hemorrhoids can interfere with daily work and rest. Discomfort may intensify during prolonged sitting at work or at night while sleeping. Additionally, fear of pain or bleeding during bowel movements may limit social activities, diminishing overall well-being and life satisfaction.

Routine measures such as maintaining perianal hygiene, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, consuming a diet rich in dietary fiber, and ensuring smooth bowel movements can help reduce the frequency and severity of hemorrhoid flare-ups.

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Is it effective to apply tea seed oil on hemorrhoids?

In general, tea oil cannot cure hemorrhoids and may only provide limited relief in the early stages. If bleeding or pain persists for more than one week or progressively worsens, medical attention should be sought immediately. A specialist can then evaluate the condition and recommend appropriate treatments, such as suppositories or ointments containing local anesthetics, steroids, or vasoconstrictors, or perform minimally invasive procedures or surgery. Tea oil can only serve as a temporary adjunct and should not replace proper medical treatment.

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What should I do if my hemorrhoids bleed every time I have a bowel movement?

Defecation usually refers to bowel movement. In general, rectal bleeding immediately after defecation may be caused by factors such as stool friction against hemorrhoidal tissue, increased abdominal pressure during bowel movements, prolapse of internal hemorrhoids, incarcerated mixed hemorrhoids, or thrombosed external hemorrhoids. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through conservative management, medication, surgical treatment, or other appropriate methods.

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What should I do if I have bleeding during bowel movements due to internal hemorrhoids?

In general, the treatment methods for bleeding internal hemorrhoids mainly include conservative management, local medication, oral drug therapy, physical therapy, and surgical treatment. In addition, patients should follow medical advice for standardized treatment and undergo regular follow-up examinations. If abnormal conditions such as heavy or persistent bleeding occur, timely medical consultation is necessary to adjust the treatment plan.

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What could be the reason for a lump growing near the anus?

The term "butt hole" usually refers to the anus. Common causes of a lump near the anus include prolonged sitting and pressure, dietary irritation, external hemorrhoids, perianal abscess, rectal prolapse, etc. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, avoid prolonged sitting or standing, engage in appropriate physical activity, maintain a light diet, and prevent constipation.