What does blood in stool feel like with haemorrhoids?

Internal haemorrhoids may bleed without much pain. External haemorrhoids can cause itching, soreness, swelling or a tender lump near the anus. Straining, constipation and sitting for long periods may aggravate symptoms. Bright red blood that repeatedly appears should not automatically be attributed to haemorrhoids, because bleeding can arise higher in the bowel or from another condition.

Keep stools soft with fluids and fibre if these suit you, avoid straining, and do not delay the urge to open your bowels. Gentle cleaning and a warm bath may reduce irritation. A pharmacist or clinician can advise on a short course of treatment, particularly if you are pregnant, take blood-thinning medicine or have ongoing bleeding.

Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, dizziness, faintness, black stool, severe anal pain, fever or a rapidly enlarging swelling. Book a medical assessment when bleeding is new, recurrent, mixed through the stool, or accompanied by a change in bowel habit, unexplained tiredness or abdominal pain.

Ask whether the appearance and examination fit haemorrhoids, whether constipation treatment could help, and how long to try self-care. Mention any family history of bowel disease and every medicine or supplement you use.