What Causes It?
Straining during bowel movements
Sitting for long periods on the toilet
Chronic constipation or diarrhea
Low-fiber diet
Pregnancy and childbirth
Obesity
Heavy lifting
Anal infections or abscesses (particularly for fistulas)
Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)
Trauma to the anorectal area
Aging (weakening of supporting tissues)
Family history of hemorrhoids
Signs & Symptoms
Bright red bleeding during bowel movements
Itching or irritation in the anal region
Pain or discomfort, especially during bowel movements
Swelling around the anus
A lump near the anus, which may be sensitive or painful
Leakage of feces or difficulty cleaning after a bowel movement
For fistulas: persistent drainage, pain, swelling, and sometimes fever
For fissures: severe pain during and after bowel movements, bright red blood on toilet paper, visible tear in the skin around the anus