The area around your rectum and anus has clusters of veins that help retain air, liquid and stool. When these veins become swollen or inflamed, they’re called hemorrhoids. There are 2 different types of hemorrhoids:
- External hemorrhoids are located under the skin around the anus
- Internal hemorrhoids develop in the lower rectum and may protrude or prolapse through the anus.
Most prolapsed hemorrhoids shrink back inside the rectum on their own. Severely prolapsed hemorrhoids may protrude permanently and require treatment.