Hemorrhoids are swollen veins. Each of us has veins around the anus that tend to stretch under pressure, somewhat like varicose veins in the legs. It may result from constipation, sitting for long periods of time, and anal infections. Millions of people currently suffer from hemorrhoids. Sometimes they go away by themselves, but in other cases they can cause lingering pain, itching, and bleeding that needs hemorrhoid pain relief. If you suffer from painful or bleeding hemorrhoids, you are not alone. Hemorrhoids do not discriminate, afflicting the mighty as well as the humble.