Hemorrhoids are the result of inflamed veins in the rectum and anus. They may grow to cause a lot of pain, itching, and distress. 75% of Americans have had hemorrhoids.

While painful, they can often be treated before they become worse. However, occasionally the hemorrhoids will get worse and begin to bleed. After a BM is when this normally occurs. Hemorrhoids can form on the outside of the anus, and they can then bleed. Hemorrhoids can also occur inside the rectum, and though usually you don’t feel pain from them, they still bleed.

However, it is possible to prevent hemorrhoid bleeding.

1) Ointments - Make use of a hemorrhoid cream, gel, or ointment. Most markets will carry these. It will help with shrinking the hemorrhoids and the ointment will also minimize the pain. This will cause the bleeding to cease.

2) Baths - Soak in a warm tub. 3 to 4 inches of lukewarm water is enough. Bring up your knees so the water can flow to your anus. Doing this helps the blood to flow, in the process shrinking hemorrhoids.

3)Cleanliness ” Keep the area around your anus and rectum clean. Frequently cleanse using soap and water. This is really important after a bowel movement. The area will be kept clean and infection free.

4) Fluids - Constipation can be easily avoided if you do what you can. You can help loosen your stools by consuming at least eight glasses of water. Stools that are hard can make the hemorrhoids bleed, so this is an important factor.

5) Fiber - Fiber plays a very significant role in stopping the bleeding from hemorrhoids. Your stools will be loose and bulkier with fiber. Constipation will also be prevented. Fiber is imbibed through consuming whole grain foods and plenty of vegetables.

6)Ice packs - Place a bag of ice on your posterior. Use them for 15 to 20 minute intervals. This way the swelling goes down and in the process the hemorrhoids will also shrink. The bleeding from the hemorrhoids will cease.

7)Witch Hazel - Prior to applying witch hazel, thoroughly cleanse your posterior region. Make the Witch Hazel bottle ice cold by putting it in ice. Put a little Witch Hazel on a ball of cotton and place it on the rectal area. This should reduce pain and help shrink the hemorrhoids which often stops the bleeding.

It is important to see a doctor whenever you notice blood in your stools, or on the toilet paper. But it is always important to remember that a lot of other serious problems apart from hemorrhoids can cause bleeding. Better be thorough and make sure that hemorrhoids are not the only culprit. The determination can be made by your doctor for further examination for cancer of the rectum or any other problem that may be underlying.

If a doctor determines that the hemorrhoids are the cause of the bleeding, and if they are serious enough to warrant an operation, your doctor can make that decision and talk it over with you. Most often, bleeding hemorrhoids are treatable at home. By heeding the advice given above, you should be able to get the bleeding to cease as well as prevent your hemorrhoids from getting worse.