Stages of Development

Stages of Development

Grade I:
The haemorrhoidal tissue is slightly enlarged. The haemorrhoids do not protrude from the anus. At this stage one will feel the first signs of haemorrhoid symptoms such as itching, burning and the feeling of a presence of extra tissue in the anus. At this stage one may also find blood in the stool/ on toilet paper.

Grade II:
At this stage the haemorrhoids will have enlarged to the point that they now reach the sensitive area of the anus. The symptoms become more prevalent and one may experience pain.

Grade III:
At this point the haemorrhoids will protrude to the outside of the anus with the pressure created by bowel movements. The haemorrhoid may now not return to the inside of the anal canal without help (i.e. using a finger), this may be very painful. One may experience a constant uncomfortable feeling at this stage and feel like the bowel movement is incomplete. Furthermore, one will now be able to clearly feel the haemorrhoids appearing inside the anal canal.

Grade IV:
At this stage the haemorrhoids will be so large that they cannot be pushed back to the inside of the anal canal. Furthermore, one may experience that the anus is not closing properly. One will experience high levels of pain and there may now be severe infection of the tissue.