Hemorrhoids are enlarged, painful veins in your rectum.
Hemorrhoids develop from 2 different places. There are 2 sets of veins that drain the blood from the lower rectum and anus.
- The internal veins can become swollen to form internal hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids, unless they are severe, cannot be seen or felt, unlike external hemorrhoids.
- Likewise, the external veins can swell to form external hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids can be seen around the outside of the anus and, many times, can be felt.
