Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in or around the rectum and anus. They’re very common, and while uncomfortable, they’re usually not dangerous. What a hemorrhoid feels like depends on where it is and how severe it is.
Common Sensations People Report
A hemorrhoid can feel like:
- Itching or irritation around the anus
- Burning or stinging, especially after bowel movements
- Pain or soreness when sitting or wiping
- Pressure or fullness in the rectal area
- A lump or swelling near the anus
- Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet (usually painless)
Not everyone feels pain—some hemorrhoids are noticeable mainly because of itching or bleeding.
How It Feels by Type
1️⃣ External Hemorrhoids (Outside the Anus)
These are usually the most uncomfortable.
They may feel like:
- a tender or painful lump
- itching and swelling
- sharp pain when sitting
- soreness when wiping
If a blood clot forms (thrombosed hemorrhoid), the pain can be sudden and intense, and the lump may look purple or blue.
2️⃣ Internal Hemorrhoids (Inside the Rectum)
These are often painless.
They may feel like:
- nothing at all
- pressure during bowel movements
- painless bleeding
Sometimes they protrude outside the anus (prolapse), which can cause discomfort or a feeling that something is “coming out.”
3️⃣ Prolapsed Hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids that push outside the anus.
They may feel like:
- a soft lump you can push back in
- discomfort, irritation, or mild pain
- mucus discharge or dampness
What Hemorrhoid Pain Is Like
- Usually dull, sore, or throbbing
- Worse during or after bowel movements
- Can increase with prolonged sitting
- Rarely causes severe pain unless thrombosed
What It Does Not Usually Feel Like
Hemorrhoids usually do not cause:
- severe abdominal pain
- fever
- black or tarry stools
These symptoms may indicate something else and should be checked by a doctor.
When to See a Doctor
You should seek medical advice if:
- bleeding is heavy or persistent
- pain is severe or worsening
- symptoms last more than a week
- there’s a hard, very painful lump
- you’re unsure whether it’s a hemorrhoid
Rectal bleeding should always be taken seriously, even if hemorrhoids are suspected.
Final Thought
A hemorrhoid often feels like itching, soreness, pressure, or a tender lump, sometimes with painless bleeding. While uncomfortable, most hemorrhoids improve with simple care. If symptoms are severe, persistent, or confusing, getting medical advice is the safest move.
Rohan Ahmad was an author who wrote about biblical topics, spiritual interpretations, and scriptural insights, helping readers gain a deeper understanding of faith, symbolism, and meaningful biblical teachings.
