Why is internal hemorrhoid bleeding painless?

Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on May 17, 2025
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Bleeding from internal hemorrhoids, also known as rectal bleeding, is the most common primary clinical manifestation in patients with internal hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids refer to the venous clusters that grow above the dentate line, and their onset occurs above this line. The area above the dentate line is mainly controlled by the autonomic nervous system, making it insensitive to pain and irritation. Therefore, many patients with bleeding internal hemorrhoids may not even realize it themselves, as it does not cause pain. In contrast, external and mixed hemorrhoids, which involve the area below the dentate line, are controlled by somatic nerves, making pain more readily felt.

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Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
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Is a severe internal hemorrhoid prolapse?

Internal hemorrhoids mainly refer to soft venous masses that occur above the dentate line, formed by congestion, dilation, and varicosity of the superior rectal venous plexus. The primary symptoms are rectal bleeding and prolapse of the lump outside the anus. Prolapse of internal hemorrhoids is one of the indications for surgery, meaning that if there is rectal bleeding or prolapse outside the anus at the dentate line, surgical treatment is required. Thus, internal hemorrhoids are considered severe if there is a prolapse, necessitating surgical treatment.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
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Second-degree internal hemorrhoids, what is the best way to treat them?

Second-degree internal hemorrhoids mainly refer to the intermittent rectal bleeding and anal prolapse caused by internal hemorrhoids, but the prolapsed tissues can retract back into the anus on their own after defecation. For this condition, it is generally recommended to use conservative medication treatments, change dietary habits, and develop good bowel habits to alleviate symptoms and prevent the progression of the prolapse. For example, patients can eat more foods rich in roughage to facilitate smoother bowel movements. It's also advised not to sit too long during defecation or strain excessively. After defecation, it is beneficial to perform anal exercises and take sits baths using anal washes or warm saline solution for five to ten minutes to promote local circulation and ease the prolapse. Additionally, patients should regularly perform anal exercises and maintain an active lifestyle. When using hemorrhoid suppositories or creams, it is important to choose the appropriate medication based on the symptoms.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
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Can internal hemorrhoids be treated with wet compresses?

After prolapse of internal hemorrhoids, moist compresses can be applied, but the therapeutic effect of moist compresses is not significant. The prolapse of internal hemorrhoids mainly occurs when the anal cushion pathologically enlarges and shifts downward, leading to the prolapse. If the prolapsed hemorrhoids cannot be retracted back into the anus, this can lead to incarcerated edema, causing swelling and pain around the anus. If the incarceration lasts too long, it can induce local thrombosis or even necrosis. In such cases, it is recommended to opt for surgical treatment as soon as possible. Common surgical methods include internal hemorrhoid ligation, internal hemorrhoid excision, PPH (Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids), or TST (Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization). After surgery, it is advisable to use anal washes or potassium permanganate solutions for sitz baths, and then apply topical treatments such as hemorrhoid creams, red oil gauze strips, and yellow ointments to promote postoperative recovery. Moreover, patients should develop good bowel habits after surgery to maintain smooth bowel movements, which further aids recovery. (Under the guidance of a doctor for medication use)

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Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
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What should I do if internal hemorrhoids always bleed?

Internal hemorrhoids refer to the venous clumps located above the dentate line. When these hemorrhoids are injured or ruptured, bleeding during bowel movements occurs, which is the most common primary symptom in patients with internal hemorrhoids. Frequent bleeding from internal hemorrhoids can first be treated conservatively, such as by taking oral hemostatic medications, followed by the local application of hemorrhoid creams, suppositories, and the like. If bleeding consistently persists, surgical treatment may be required. Once internal hemorrhoids present symptoms of bleeding or prolapse, they typically indicate the need for surgery, hence treatment for frequent bleeding in internal hemorrhoids can be either conservative or surgical.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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How long does it take to recover from internal hemorrhoidectomy surgery?

The recovery time after internal hemorrhoidectomy mainly depends on the severity of the condition before the surgery. Most internal hemorrhoidectomies, specifically referring to internal hemorrhoid ligation surgeries combined with sclerotherapy injections, generally require a recovery period of about 2-3 weeks. If the internal hemorrhoids were significantly prolapsed before the surgery or if there were multiple prolapsed hemorrhoids, the recovery time might be relatively longer. If the procedure involved only localized ligation or sclerotherapy injections and there are no external wounds around the anus, the recovery time is approximately one week. During the recovery period, patients need to maintain a light diet, avoid dry stools and excessive straining during bowel movements, which could lead to pain or bleeding at the surgical site.