You may be surprised to find out that all people have hemorrhoids problem and that they have a job to do in the anal canal. It’s only when the hemorrhoids have symptoms that they then are considered hemorrhoidal disease, up until this point the hemorrhoids are quietly doing their job and not causing any trouble.

I’m sure you’re curious to know exactly what job the hemorrhoids perform so let’s dive right in. Hemorrhoidal veins are capable of gorging with blood which allows them to perform two separate jobs in the anal canal. The first one is to allow stools to pass painlessly through the anal canal; the hemorrhoids swell up and work as a cushion. Blood flow in the veins allows the size of the anal canal to be larger or smaller depending on what the body requires at the time. The second function of the hemorrhoids is very similar to the first. When we sneeze, strain or laugh the body sends out a quick message to the hemorrhoid veins to fill with blood to prevent accidental discharge. These veins are responsible for about 15-20% of anal pressure.

Since these veins are important in proper anal function, this does present problems when the hemorrhoids then have to be removed. A potential for incontinence can be a risk factor of hemorrhoid surgery. Not all hemroid treatment options available today have the same amount of risk when it comes to incontinence. The hemorrhoidectomy has more of a risk than most of the other procedures.

So, for most people, hemorrhoids are not only present but they also necessary. For the unlucky few who do get symptomatic hemroids, usually surgery won’t be required; the condition is usually manageable with diet and non-prescription medications.  If you do experience any problems or symptoms in your anal region, it’s important to get an exam to rule out colon cancer and to avoid having the condition get worse.