Hemorrhoids are distended veins that develop around the anal orifice. There are two types of hemorrhoids – Internal hemorrhoids that occur in the rectum with the distended veins covered by mucosa and External Hemorrhoids that occur on the out side of the anal orifice and are covered by skin. The former are prone to bleeding causing blood in the stool.

Hemorrhoids are common especially among women who have gone through vaginal child birth. These engorged veins may cause discomfort or occasionally pain around the rectal area or bleeding. The blood is usually bright red and usually small in amounts. Occasionally, thrombosis (clotting) may occur in the engorged vein that can cause severe rectal pain.