HEMORRHOIDS - A mass of dilated veins in the anorectal area that are caused by increased pressure in the veins adjacent the anus. Symptoms include anal pain, pain with defecation, blood in stools or after wiping, anal swelling, and tenderness. Constipation, straining, prolonged sitting, and anal infection are contributing factors. They are also very common in alcoholic cirrhosis, during pregnancy, and after childbirth. Eating a diet which is high in fiber is recommended to reduce hemorrhoid formation. Corticosteroid creams can also decrease inflammation due to hemorrhoids.