How can I tell if I have an internal or external hemorrhoid?

i think its an external pile..though sometimes the pile itself doesnot bleed..and not necessary that at an early stage you find al the typical features of an external pile..i did have the same problem and my doctor said its an external pile. An internal pile cant be seen easily .. U need a proctoscopic examination for that..Also an internal haemorrhoid doesnot cause pain except sometimes only during ping the stools,as the nerves in that region cannot sense the pain ..U cal them visceral nerves..As u said ur pain doesnot change with stool page, i ume it to be an external pile...