What is a Prolapsed Hemorrhoid?
Prolapsed hemorrhoids are internal hemorrhoids that have begun to protrude outside of the rectum. An internal hemorrhoid may cause some bleeding with very little to no discomfort due to the fact that there are very few pain-sensing nerves in that area of the rectum. However, if an internal hemorrhoid begins to prolapse, it can be identified by the inflamed tissue or small lump that is protruding from the anus. Prolapsed hemorrhoids have been described as pink pads around the anus that are tender to the touch, but can gently be pushed back into the rectum.
Similar to external piles, prolapsed hemorrhoids have varying degrees of severity. However, unlike external hemorrhoids, a prolapsed hemorrhoid is graded on a scale depending on how easily it can be pushed back into the anus. While Grade I would be an internal hemorrhoid that doesn’t prolapse, prolapsed hemorrhoid grades are determined by the following:
- Grade II: Usually pushed out of the rectum during a bowel movement and then retracts on it’s own.
- Grade III: Will also protrude during bowel movements, but will need to be reinserted manually.
- Grade IV: Protrudes on its own and cannot be pushed back in.
While any swollen mass of tissue around the anus is considered an external hemorrhoid, prolapsed hemorrhoids are the exception since they originate internally and gradually progressed to the rectum’s outer rim.
As discussed above, sometimes the only symptom of an internal hemorrhoid is the appearance of blood on toilet paper or in the stool. As a hemorrhoid becomes prolapsed, patients will experience other symptoms, such as larger traces of blood and a burning, itchy feeling around the anus. Prolapsed hemorrhoids in the later Grade IV stage often cause extreme pain.
Internal hemorrhoids have a variety of potential causes, including diarrhea, constipation, lack of fiber in the diet, etc. Essentially, once an internal hemorrhoid is formed, the same things that caused it could also be making it worse. Straining during a bowel movement, whether from constipation or diarrhea, adds pressure and weakens the rectal tissue. This can cause internal hemorrhoids to prolapse or begin protruding from the anus. Other potential causes include pregnancy and obesity.
At-home treatments of prolapsed hemorrhoids include taking a sitz bath or finding an ointment or cream that provides some temporary relief. But if you’re hoping to get rid of hemorrhoids once and for all, your best bet is to find a doctor-administered treatment. Banding techniques, such as the one offered by CRH, can provide hemorrhoid relief quickly and easily.
For more information about prolapsed hemorrhoids or the revolutionary CRH O’Regan System, contact a doctor near you.
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Posted on July 24, 2013 in Hemorrhoids
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