Hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum, can be a pain in the butt. Jokes aside, these lumps have a variety of causes but are mainly due to excess pressure on these veins, such as straining to pass a bowel movement.
Hemorrhoids are quite common, affecting about 1 in 20 Americans, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Approximately half of adults over age 50 in the United States have hemorrhoids.
While they can be unpleasant, hemorrhoids are rarely dangerous. A number of effective treatment options exist that can alleviate symptoms.
