Yes, internal and external, with internal being most common. Internal hemorrhoids are usually painless but can bleed or itch, and often clear on their own. External ones form at the anal opening as small, uncomfortable lumps that can occasionally clot. If a clot bursts or causes severe pain and bleeding, seek emergency care.

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in your lower rectum and anus, a bit like varicose veins. They form when the vein walls stretch too thin and bulge, often from straining or sitting on the toilet too long, chronic constipation or diarrhea, a low-fiber diet, pregnancy, aging, or frequent heavy lifting.

Hemorrhoids themselves do not cause constipation, but the discomfort and pain associated with hemorrhoids can make a person reluctant to have a bowel movement. This can lead to straining or delayed bowel movements, which may worsen constipation. Additionally, the fear of pain during bowel movements can create a cycle of avoiding the restroom, leading to harder stools and further straining.

Several types of doctors can treat hemorrhoids. You can start with a primary care physician, who can diagnose the condition and recommend initial treatment. If your hemorrhoids are severe or don’t respond to initial treatments, you may be referred to a gastroenterologist or a colorectal surgeon. Gastroenterologists specialize in digestive system disorders, while colorectal surgeons are experts in the surgical and non-surgical treatment of diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus.

The duration of hemorrhoids can vary depending on the severity and treatment. Mild cases often improve within a few days with self-care measures, however, more severe cases may take a couple of weeks to heal, especially if there’s significant swelling or pain. If symptoms persist for more than a week despite treatment, you should consult a doctor.

External hemorrhoids appear as small, swollen lumps around the anus. They can be skin-colored or slightly darker, and may be painful or itchy. In some cases, they may appear as a purplish color if a blood clot forms within the hemorrhoid (a condition known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid).

External hemorrhoids are hard to miss. Usually, you can feel a lump or pain around your anus. Internal hemorrhoids often cause itching or bleeding during bowel movements. Bleeding during a bowel movement can be a sign of something more serious, so be sure to consult a physician to determine if the cause is hemorrhoids.