Symptoms of hemorrhoids can range from mild to severe and can include not only pain, but also itching and bleeding. Some people even say that their hemorrhoids are the most painful thing they have experienced. But despite the very real discomfort and pain that hemorrhoids cause, hemorrhoids themselves can't kill you.

Are hemorrhoids dangerous if left untreated?

"Untreated internal hemorrhoids can cause bleeding. External hemorrhoids can cause thrombosis [blood clotting], which gives way to severe pain from hemorrhoidal strangulation." If you know you have hemorrhoids and you have acute and severe anal pain, it could be a sign of thrombosed hemorrhoids.

How dangerous are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are rarely dangerous. If the symptoms don't go away in a week or if you have bleeding, see your doctor to make sure you don't have a more serious condition.