Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins that develop in the anal canal. Bleeding during bowel movements, itching, swelling, and rectal pain are the most common symptoms. They can be uncomfortable at times, but hemorrhoids rarely are a serious problem.
You can treat most hemorrhoids with simple changes to your diet and bowel habits. These changes include eating more fiber and not straining to pass stools. Most hemorrhoids do not need surgery or other treatment unless they are very large and painful or bleed a lot.