There are four different grades of hemorrhoids that you can get. This is nothing more than a classification system set up by doctors so that they can properly diagnose which stage your hemorrhoids are in. This in turn allows them to make a proper decision on which treatment method is best for your situation.
First degree hemorrhoids are often classified as bleeding hemorrhoids. If you notice blood during bowel movements chances are that you may be suffering from this stage of hemorrhoids.
Second degree hemorrhoids are ones that may or may not bleed. In addition, they also protrude from the anal canal, but will not stay inflamed and will disappear on their own.
Third degree hemorrhoids are similar to second degree, but they will not disappear on their own. They need to be manually pushed back into the anal canal by a doctor.
Fourth degree hemorrhoids are ones that protrude from the anal canal and will not disappear on their own. In addition, they cannot be pushed back in manually either. In this case the doctor must come up with the best treatment option which is sometimes surgery.
It is possible to take a guess at what degree of hemorrhoids you are suffering from. But when push comes to shove you are going to need to visit a doctor to find out exactly what is going on. They will be able to run tests that show what degree hemorrhoids you are suffering from, and from there they will be able to put together a treatment plan for you.
