What is a haemorrhoid?
A haemorrhoid is a swelling of a blood vessel, on the inside of the anus. It often occurs when you squeeze (too) hard when defecating. Or when there is a lot of pressure on the anus for a long time, for example during pregnancy. An external haemorrhoid is visible on the outside of the anus (see picture below).
(Picture hemorrhoid, source: 24baby.nl)
Internal and external haemorrhoids
What is an internal haemorrhoid?
An internal haemorrhoid is on the inside of the anus. This is also when the haemorrhoid is not visible on the outside. These haemorrhoids normally cause little or no discomfort. When you defecate, they may come out (briefly).
What is an external haemorrhoid?
An external haemorrhoid is also called a ‘sagging’ haemorrhoid: this is an internal haemorrhoid that has come out. It is then visible near the anus. These haemorrhoids can be large or small. They can also cause discomfort, such as itching, pain and blood.
The haemorrhoid may also have developed externally. This is difficult to get rid of because you cannot push it back inside.
What is a thrombosed haemorrhoid?
A thrombosed haemorrhoid (or: ‘thrombosed haemorrhoid’) is another name for an external haemorrhoid. In other words: a haemorrhoid that has sagged outwards, becoming visible on the outside of the anus. This can include symptoms such as itching and pain.
Frequently asked questions about haemorrhoids
What is good against haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids go away on their own, but this can take anywhere from a few days to a few months(?!). Understandably, you want to do something against that pain and itching.
AnaMel is a natural honey ointment specially made against the symptoms (such as itching and pain) of haemorrhoids. It won't make the haemorrhoids go away, but it will quickly relieve your symptoms.
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If you want the haemorrhoids to go away (quickly), you can consider treatment with rubber bands. These are put in the hospital and squeeze the haemorrhoid until it dies.
Finally, you can try pushing back external haemorrhoids. The haemorrhoid may then sink back again after you defecate. In that case, you can repeat the pushing back. This can also relieve symptoms.
What is bad for haemorrhoids?
Too much pressure on the anus is bad for haemorrhoids, both existing and new ones. This is also why haemorrhoids often develop during pregnancies and childbirth. And when you sit on the toilet for too long and/or squeeze too hard when defecating.
So try as much as possible to avoid that pressure. You do this by drinking good water (1.5 to 2L per day) and eating a high-fibre diet.
In addition, avoid scratching when itching. You can damage the haemorrhoid, causing it to hurt and bleed. Eventually, you will worsen your symptoms this way. Haemorrhoid ointment can provide relief from itching.
Is a haemorrhoid dangerous?
No, haemorrhoids are not dangerous. However, they can be very annoying because of the symptoms they cause.
Is a haemorrhoid contagious?
No, a haemorrhoid is not contagious. It is not a virus, but a swelling of a blood vessel. Such a swelling is caused by excessive pressure on the anus.
What if a haemorrhoid breaks?
If a haemorrhoid breaks, it will bleed (briefly). Also, the area around your anus may start to irritate. Then it feels burning, and may start itching.
Does it keep bleeding on you? Then see your GP!
What is the best haemorrhoid ointment?
In a comparative study of different types of ointments, AnaMel emerged as a good haemorrhoid ointment. AnaMel relieves your symptoms quickly. One user says:
"Am really satisfied with the ointment. Sometimes suffer from haemorrhoids, it works immediately, stills the itching and relieves the pain. Happy with it!" (Miranda)
