What are hemorrhoids?
The term hemorrhoids refers to a condition in which the veins around the anus or lower rectum are swollen and inflamed. Hemorrhoids may result from straining when having a bowel movement. Other contributing factors include pregnancy, aging, chronic constipation or diarrhea. Hemorrhoids are either inside the anus (internal) or under the skin around the anus (external). Hemorrhoids usually are not dangerous or life threatening.

What aere the Symptoms of Hemorrhoids?
Although many people have hemorrhoids, not all experience symptoms. The most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids is bright red blood covering the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl. However, an internal hemorrhoid may protrude through the anus outside the body, becoming irritated and painful. This is known as a protruding hemorrhoid.

Symptoms of external hemorrhoids may include painful swelling or a hard lump around the anus that results when a blood clot forms. This condition is known as a thrombosed external hemorrhoid.

In addition, excessive straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus may cause irritation with bleeding and/or itching, which may produce a vicious cycle of symptoms. Draining mucus may also cause itching.

How common are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are very common in both men and women. About half of the population have hemorrhoids by age 50. Hemorrhoids are also common among pregnant women. The pressure of the fetus in the abdomen, as well as hormonal changes, cause the hemorrhoidal vessels to enlarge. These vessels are also placed under severe pressure during childbirth. For most women, however, hemorrhoids caused by pregnancy are a temporary problem.

"This product was so effective, I had to write a review, even though I rarely ever do so. I started to feel relief almost immediately and the next morning (I applied it at night), the improvement was not just noticeable, it was almost complete. For the next couple of days I just applied some of the regular soothing cream and witch hazel and I had recovered completely. The cream looks messier than the traditional white hemorrhoidal creams - but I would venture that's because the white cream isn't really visible (on your underwear, toilet paper, toilet bowl, etc.), not because it's any less messy than this." Lorraine (Puerto Rico, August, 2006)

"This product is a godsend! I tried EVERYTHING ELSE first, and nothing worked. Yes, this is messy, and putting the applicator up your butt is no treat, but if you do it at bedtime, you will wake up with a MUCH smaller, more manageable hemorroid. Like magic, it disappeared two days later. Eat fiber, keep it clean, don't push, and you'll be okay!" Anonymous (August, 2006)

"This product might have helped a little, but was definitely not worth the mess! Notice it is charcoal based, so the color is a dark grey. It wouldn't be so bad if the cream were white." Anonymous (November, 2006)

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