Hemorrhoids, or piles, are twisted, swollen, varicose veins that occur in the anus and rectum. They are due to straining or pressure in the lower abdomen and though more common following childbirth or constipation, they can also result from working with weights.

Though they are often fodder for jokes, hemorrhoids are no laughing matter. They don’t pose a danger, but they are painful. For those who love to bike or who count on a bicycle as a means of transportation, hemorrhoids present a significant tactical problem.

Rectal bleeding is typically discovered in the form of bright red blood that may appear on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl. If you've consumed chili peppers or hot sauce made from them, this may lead to a burning sensation that makes you wonder if the bleeding is caused by the hot sauce.

Hemorrhoids, a painful condition that causes swelling and inflammation in the veins of your lower rectum and anus, can occur as the result of pregnancy or straining during a bowel movement.

Preparation H, an over-the-counter remedy for hemorrhoids, comes in a variety of formulations including those that contain hydrocortisone, creams, suppositories and wipes. The product works by shrinking the hemorrhoid as well as reducing irritation and discomfort, according to FamilyDoctor.org.

Hemorrhoids are collections of connective tissue, arteries and veins that can develop around your anus or inside your rectum. Hemorrhoidal symptoms range from the benign, such as itching, to the serious, such as bleeding or debilitating pain. Your doctor normally can treat your hemorrhoidal symptoms non-operatively.

Three-quarters of American adults suffer from hemorrhoids at some point, says the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, with most cases happening between the ages of 45 to 65 for those of both sexes or during pregnancy in women.

Hemorrhoids are caused by swollen veins within the rectum that cause bulging, burning and pain at the site. Hemorrhoids can be brought about by straining during bouts of constipation as well as excess pressure on the lower extremities during pregnancy.

According to the Mayo Clinic, internal hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins in the anus and lower rectum. They are often caused by straining during a bowel movement, frequent diarrhea and pregnancy. Hemorrhoids can be extremely uncomfortable. Symptoms include itching, burning, pain and bleeding.

Hemorrhoids occur when the veins around the anus or lower rectum become inflamed and swollen. They can be located internally or externally around the rectum, and they are usually caused by straining during bowel movements, pregnancy, aging, chronic constipation, diarrhea or anal intercourse.

Swollen and inflamed veins in and around the rectum are called hemorrhoids, or piles. Pressure in the lower rectal area from pregnancy, bowel movements, prolonged sitting, obesity or anal intercourse causes the condition. Hemorrhoids are common. Half the population has suffered from hemorrhoids by the age of 50.

Hemorrhoids are varicose veins that occur in your rectum. Hemorrhoids form right inside your anus and sometimes extrude through the anus, causing external hemorrhoids, which can be very painful. If you experience pain of bleeding after a bowel movement, you may have hemorrhoids.