(HealthDay News) -- Hemorrhoids are painful, swollen blood vessels that form near the rectum. Symptoms often include pain, discomfort, anal itching and bloody stools.

The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse says about 75 percent of people have hemorrhoids at some point. The agency mentions these factors that increase a person's risk:

• Having frequent constipation or diarrhea.
• Pushing too hard during a bowel movement.
• Spending a long time on the toilet.
• Getting insufficient dietary fiber.
• Being pregnant.