Posted By Author on July 3, 2025
Have you noticed that your bathroom visits require more pushing and discomfort than you’re used to, possibly accompanied by specks of red on the toilet paper?
Unfortunately, you might be dealing with a case of hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum that can develop either inside the rectum as an internal hemorrhoid, or under the skin as an external hemorrhoid. They appear as swollen lumps or bumps around the anal opening, and can leave you with pain, itching, or overall discomfort.
Since they appear as red, hard lumps, you may ask: Is it possible for hemorrhoids to pop?
Keep reading to find out what our GI doctors near you have to say!
What are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are lumps of swollen tissue and blood vessels that appear in the anus or lower rectum. They can develop inside the rectum or under the skin around the anus and typically form due to increased pressure in the abdomen, anus, or rectum.
There are various reasons that hemorrhoids develop. Possible causes for your hemorrhoids may include:
- Changes in bowel movements
- Straining when having a bowel movement
- Pregnancy
- Sitting for prolonged periods of time
- Obesity
- Lifting heavy objects
- Consuming a primarily low-fiber diet
Your hemorrhoid symptoms will depend on your specific type of hemorrhoid. Internal hemorrhoids often go unnoticed, with the only indication that there is something amiss being increased straining, irritation, or painless bleeding during a bowel movement.
External hemorrhoids, on the other hand, aim to make themselves known. Common symptoms may include itching, irritation, pain, discomfort, swelling, and bleeding.
Can Hemorrhoids Rupture?
Hemorrhoids can pop, but not in the way you may think.
Hemorrhoids may burst if they become thrombosed or develop a blood clot inside the external hemorrhoid.
Think of a thrombosed hemorrhoid like a water balloon – as the hemorrhoid begins to fill with blood, the pressure builds. Eventually, if the hemorrhoid fills with too much blood, it will rupture or burst to relieve the mounting pressure.
A burst hemorrhoid may bleed for a few seconds up to a few minutes, but should not last any longer than 10 minutes.
What to Do Next If Your Hemorrhoids Burst
In the event of a ruptured hemorrhoid, it’s important to seek guidance from our GI doctors if you experience the following:
- Continuous bleeding
- Passage of large blood clots
- Severe and constant pain
- Large amounts of bleeding (i.e., enough to turn the toilet water red)
While there are remedies that can ease the pain and discomfort of a burst hemorrhoid, it’s important not to self-diagnose.
While a bleeding rectum may be due to a burst hemorrhoid, it could also be indicative of a more serious condition, such as colorectal cancer.
Need Some Extra Help with Your Hemorrhoids? Our Team at Charleston GI Can Help
A burst hemorrhoid often looks more serious than it seems, but that doesn’t make it any less painful – or scary – to endure.
At our Charleston gastroenterology clinic, we believe it is best to be cautious when dealing with new GI symptoms, like hemorrhoids. While symptoms of hemorrhoids are often nothing to lose sleep over, it is always safer to seek the help of a GI professional.
We have four convenient Charleston, SC, area locations to choose from: West Ashley, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, and Carnes Crossroads. No referral is needed, so take the first step towards a life without fear by scheduling an appointment with a gastroenterologist near you today!
