What is a hemorrhoid?
Each of us has veins, or hemorrhoids, within the anus that tend to stretch under pressure, somewhat like varicose veins in the legs. It is believed these veins exist to protect and cushion the anal canal. When these veins swell and descend into the anal canal, they are considered “prolapsed.” One set of veins is inside the rectum (internal hemorrhoids) and another is under the skin around the anus (external hemorrhoids).
