What Causes Internal Hemorrhoids and What to do About it

If you've experienced rectal discomfort, bleeding, or other symptoms, you are not alone. By age 50, about half of all adults experience hemorrhoids at some point in their lives, yet most people misunderstand the problem.

Minimally Invasive Medical Group in Southern California specializes in modern solutions for internal hemorrhoids, and we’re here to break down what you need to know about internal hemorrhoids, their causes, and how treatments like embolization can help.

Hemorrhoids 101

Internal hemorrhoids are swollen veins located inside your rectum, so they’re less visible than external hemorrhoids. 

Unlike external hemorrhoids, which are under the skin around the anus, internal hemorrhoids tend to cause less discomfort initially. However, they can bleed, prolapse (protrude outside the anus), and cause irritation or mucus discharge. 

These hemorrhoids are generally painless due to their location inside the rectum, where there are fewer pain nerves. However, advanced cases, such as prolapsed hemorrhoids, can cause itching, irritation, and hygiene difficulties.

The culprits behind internal hemorrhoids

Several factors can increase pressure on the veins in your rectum, leading to internal hemorrhoids. Common causes include:

Chronic constipation or diarrhea 

Straining during bowel movements stresses the rectal veins, leading to swelling and inflammation. Long-term diarrhea can irritate the rectal lining, while hard stools from constipation can damage the veins. 

Prolonged sitting 

Spending extended periods on the toilet, whether scrolling your phone or reading, reduces blood return from the anal area, causing it to pool and enlarge the veins. 

Pregnancy and childbirth 

Pregnancy increases pressure on pelvic veins due to the growing uterus, while labor often involves significant straining. Hemorrhoids are prevalent among pregnant women. 

Obesity 

If you carry excess weight, particularly if your central body fat is high, it places greater strain on your rectal veins, increasing the likelihood of hemorrhoids. 

Aging 

The supporting tissues of your anus and rectum naturally weaken with age, making hemorrhoids more likely to occur or worsen over time. 

Poor dietary habits 

Diets low in fiber and high in processed foods lead to harder stools, making bowel movements more strenuous. 

Additional factors like a sedentary lifestyle or a family history of hemorrhoids can further raise your risk. 

Treatments for internal hemorrhoids 

Lifestyle modifications and dietary changes can often relieve mild hemorrhoid symptoms. However, when this isn’t enough, we offer procedures such as hemorrhoid embolization. 

Hemorrhoid embolization is a minimally invasive medical procedure that addresses internal hemorrhoids by reducing blood flow to the inflamed veins. 

We use advanced imaging to identify the blood vessels feeding the swollen hemorrhoids. Then, we insert small coils or other embolic materials via a catheter to block the blood supply, causing the hemorrhoids to shrink over time. 

You only need local anesthesia because the incision is tiny, and the procedure is quick. There’s no need for stitches, and recovery is faster than traditional surgery. 

While other treatments like topical medications, hemorrhoid banding, and hemorrhoidectomy are options, embolization is particularly suited for recurring or significant bleeding.

If you’re dealing with internal hemorrhoids, and they’re disrupting your daily life, we’re here to help. Call Minimally Invasive Medical Group to schedule your consultation or book online and take the first step toward comfort and long-lasting relief.