Hemorrhoids are abnormal enlargements of what are otherwise normal veins in the anal area.
Hemorrhoids are often caused by increased pressure during defecation and are associated with constipation, obesity, and pregnancy. Hemorrhoids occasionally occur along with a liver disease, such as cirrhosis, because of increased pressure in the veins of the intestine. When hemorrhoids bleed, the blood appears as fresh red stains on the toilet tissue when wiping, rather than as darker blood mixed with the stool. Because of the possibility of a more serious condition, rectal bleeding should not be ascribed to hemorrhoids without further medical investigation. Lower endoscopy or barium enema may be needed to look farther up the colon to rule out other diseases that cause bleeding or rectal pain.