The thought of having a hemorrhoid burst can be a frightening one. While this isn’t often a common occurrence, there are times when it does happen.

The good news is it sounds worse than it really is. But, many patients with hemorrhoids do what to know what happens when a hemorrhoid bursts?

Hemorrhoids 101

Before we explore the topic of burst hemorrhoids, let’s take a quick look at what they are. Hemorrhoids are a common condition that plague many adults at some point in their lifetime.

Also called piles, hemorrhoids are enlarged veins in the rectum and anus.

When hemorrhoids become inflamed, they can cause very bothersome symptoms. Although they are irritating to deal with, hemorrhoids are not generally a serious health concern.

Hemorrhoids fall into two categories: internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids.

Internal hemorrhoids are located in the rectum and do not present with many symptoms.

Because they are located in an area that is void of pain-sensing nerves, you may not ever realize you even have them. External hemorrhoids, on the other hand, can come with very bothersome symptoms. These are located around the opening of the anus.

What Do You Do For a Bleeding Hemorrhoid Burst?

Stop the bleeding right away. You can use a cotton swab or toilet paper. Hemorrhoid ointments can also help with the pain. Inserting a hemorrhoid suppository can also help.

External hemorrhoids can give you symptoms such as:

• Pain
• Itching
• Burning
• Bleeding
• Discomfort

There are different stages to both types of hemorrhoids, but both types can become thrombosed. When hemorrhoids become thrombosed, a blood clot has formed inside the vein.

They can be painful and severely inflamed. Thrombosed hemorrhoids can eventually burst when the vein becomes too full of blood.

What Happens When a Hemorrhoid Bursts?

Thrombosed hemorrhoids can become so inflamed and filled with blood that they burst. But, don’t panic! It sounds worse than it really is. It is rare that a burst hemorrhoid is dangerous.

Since it can be a scary event, many patients search for answers on what happens when a hemorrhoid bursts? Once a hemorrhoid bursts, a brief period of bleeding will occur.

Since thrombosed hemorrhoids are painful, an increase in your pain may be an indication that your hemorrhoid is about to burst.

Once a thrombosed hemorrhoid bursts, you may feel an instant sense of pain relief.

The release of excess pressure from the built-up blood should cause your pain to go away. If you experience bleeding and your hemorrhoid is still accompanied by symptoms of pain or discomfort, it is not likely that your hemorrhoid did actually burst.

How Long Do Hemorrhoids Bleed After They Burst?

Since any type of bleeding naturally sounds the alarm for patients, most patients wonder how long do hemorrhoids bleed after they burst? The amount of time the bleeding lasts depends on the severity and size of the hemorrhoid.

It can be different from patient to patient. Bleeding can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. If bleeding lasts for more than 10 minutes, it should be a cause for concern.

While most hemorrhoids that burst don’t require medical attention, you should contact your medical professional if bleeding exceeds 10 minutes.

It is to be expected that you may continue to bleed after or during bowel movements while the tissue heals. This is normal. But continual bleeding that exceeds 10 minutes is not.

How to Treat a Burst Hemorrhoid

Although it might seem like treatment is necessary, burst hemorrhoids don’t require any treatment. But, you might want to take extra precautions to keep the area clean.

The most common treatment for burst hemorrhoids is a sitz bath. Sitz baths provide extra relief and keep your anus clean to avoid infection. They also increase blood flow to the affected area which helps with the healing process.

Taking a Sitz bath involves:

• Filling the bathtub with 3 to 4 inches of warm water.
• Soaking for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Keeping the area completely submerged.
• Gently patting dry with a clean towel, making sure the area is nice and dry before putting on your clothes.
• Repeat as necessary.

Can Hemorrhoids Pop?

Yes, Your hemorrhoid can pop. Make sure you monitor the bleeding if it does. If the bleeding does not stop you should see a doctor immediately. Excessive bleeding can be very dangerous. 

When Should I Call a Doctor?

If your hemorrhoid bursts, you will most likely not need immediate medical attention.

You should notice a sense of immediate relief from the pain. Be sure to keep the area cleaned as mentioned earlier.

And monitor bleeding to be sure it does not last for more than 10 minutes. Although immediate attention is not required, it is important to follow up with your healthcare provider.

Since anal bleeding may be a sign of other serious medical conditions, you should call your medical provider to be seen.

Take note of any of the following hemorrhoidal symptoms in addition to bleeding:

• Sudden weight loss
• Anal pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever
• Dizziness
• Changes in stool color
• Changes in bowel movements
• Abdominal pain

These may be a sign of a more serious condition.

Although burst hemorrhoids are not extremely common, there are some cases where this happens.

It’s always best to be prepared with the knowledge about what happens when a hemorrhoid bursts, so you know what to expect and what steps to take to keep yourself safe.