Epidemiology

The exact incidence of hemorrhoidal disease is difficult to quantify, but community-based studies in the UK estimate that between 13% to 36% of the population is affected.[3]​

Analysis of healthcare utilization data in the US found that hemorrhoids were the third most common gastrointestinal, liver, or pancreatic disorder diagnosed in the outpatient setting, with an estimated 3.9 million cases per year.[4]​ The prevalence of hemorrhoids is approximately 4% based on self-report data from a nationwide survey in the US.[5]​ In contrast, the prevalence of hemorrhoids on colonoscopy screening ranges from 16.6% to 38.9%, but many of these patients reported no associated symptoms.[6][7]

Hemorrhoids are more common in white patients than in black patients, with presentation peaking between the ages of 45-65 years.[5] 

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