Hemorrhoids rarely pose serious health issues but they can be very uncomfortable. Depending on the type of hemorrhoids you develop, you may experience itching or irritation around your anal region, swelling around your anus, pain, and some bleeding.
If this is your first time having hemorrhoids, you may wonder what causes them.
The Development of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids result from an increase in pressure in your rectal area. This can happen due to several things, but the most common causes are straining, pregnancy and obesity.
Straining and Hemorrhoids
Straining during bowel movements, such as when you’re sitting for too long in the toilet or chronic constipation or diarrhea can cause a constant stretch in the veins around your anus. This causes these veins to eventually bulge or swell, resulting in hemorrhoids.
What you can do:
Avoid sitting in the toilet for too long.
Make sure you have enough fiber in your diet (both soluble and insoluble) to keep you regular.
Pregnancy and Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are pretty common during pregnancy. They usually occur during the mid-second to third trimesters, although they may occur any time of the pregnancy.
The pressure from the growing uterus (which usually starts at week 25) and the increased blood flow to the pelvic area can cause the veins in the rectal area to swell and bulge. Plus, the fluctuations of hormones during pregnancy can predispose women to constipation.
What you can do:
- Drink plenty of water and make sure you have enough fiber in your diet.
- Learn how to do Kegel exercises. These exercises don’t just help prepare your perineal area for birth; they can also increase blood circulation in the area, helping you prevent hemorrhoids.
- Keep moving. If your doctor’s OK with it, keep up with safe pregnancy exercises.
- Try warm sitz bath for 10-15 minutes. This can keep you clean and help relieve the discomfort.
- If sitting feels very uncomfortable, get a doughnut-shaped pillow.
Obesity and Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are common among obese individuals because excess weight can constrict the blood vessels in the anal region. Overweight individuals are also more predisposed to developing hemorrhoids because of the low fiber intake in the diet.
What you can do:
Increase your fiber intake. A high fiber diet can help prevent the occurrence of flare-ups of existing hemorrhoids as it can help you stay regular.
Hydrate with water. Proper hydration is also another key to preventing hemorrhoids. Steer away from sugar-laden drinks as they can make you constipated.
Get regular exercise. This doesn’t just help in losing weight, but it can be helpful in pushing toxins out of your body and improving blood circulation in your rectal area.
If you still struggle with hemorrhoids even with these lifestyle changes, Premier Surgical Hemorrhoid Center of Knoxville can help. We are the only dedicated Hemorrhoid Center in the East Tennessee region. Our treatment is normally covered by insurance.
For appointments, you may call our confidential hemorrhoid hotline at (865) 588-9952 or go online to https://www.premiersurgical.com/hemorrhoid-treatment-appointment-request/