What Causes Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, also known as hemoroids, is a painful condition that is not life-threatening. This health condition affects millions of people all over the world and is focused more in industrialized nations, like the United States. Whether you have internal hemorrhoids or external hemorrhoids you will want to determine what is causing them and what is aggravating the condition. Extensive medical research shows that hemorrhoids are caused by increased pressure on the veins in the rectal area. Of course, this can be caused by a wide range of factors including the following.

Straining

Straining during a bowel movement causes a lot of stress on veins in the rectum. It can also add stress to existing hemorrhoids. Straining is of course a secondary response to the condition of constipation, which can be fixed. A diet that is deficient in fiber is known as one of the main causes of constipation. Adding fiber to your diet is easy. Simply adding vegetables, fruits and whole grains can reduce the symptoms of constipation. This should be used in combination with other hemorrhoid relief cures, either over the counter medications or herbal supplements.

A fiber deficiency is not the only reason for straining in the bathroom. Inappropriate positioning on the toilet can also cause the need to strain to pass a bowel movement. Meats and refined foods can make bowel movements hard and dry. This will increase pressure on the rectal veins. Increase your fluid and fiber intake for optimum results.

Modern toilets have a seat that can be a very common cause of hemorrhoids. Passing stools in a squatting position is the most natural way to eliminate waste, which explains why those in third world countries do not suffer from hemorrhoids as often as those in industrialized nations.

Obesity or Being Overweight

Obesity is noted to be another cause of hemorrhoids. Carrying around excess weight is typically associated with a sedentary or stationary lifestyle. Without exercise, your body will be more prone to developing hemorrhoids. The added weight in your abdominal area can affect the rectal veins and place increased pressure in this area. If you currently live a sedentary lifestyle you are at risk for developing hemorrhoids or aggravating existing hemorrhoids.

Cleaning too Frequently or too Roughly

Of course you need to clean your bottom after you use the bathroom. Using baby wipes can also be done to avoid hemorrhoids. However, clean the area gently so you do not cause swelling of the rectal veins. Using firm pressure can cause irritation, especially to those who have sensitive skin.

The habit of wiping too hard and for too long can cause hemorrhoids more often than previously thought. Also, this action can aggravate existing hemorrhoids. It is important to wipe slow and gently with a damp cloth, baby wipes, or unscented toilet paper.

If you do experience mild symptoms of hemorrhoids after wiping to hard, use a hemorrhoid cream right away. Make sure that the cream you use provides a cooling sensation to the affected area.

Heavy Lifting

Lifting heavy objects on a regular basis can lead to or increase hemorrhoid activity. Playing high-energy or strenuous sports can also cause or aggravate them. Activities like this produce pressure on the rectal veins. While it is important to live an active lifestyle, don’t play strenuous sports on a regular basis.

Anal Sex

Anal sex can be a contributing factor to hemorrhoids. This depends on your body’s natural response to stress in this area. You may want to consider abstaining from anal sex if you are sensitive to physical stress in the anal area.

Pregnancy And Childbirth

The weight associated with a growing fetus and pushing during labor can cause hemorrhoid activity. The increased weight carried during pregnancy can place added pressure on the rectal veins.

Some women may get hemorrhoids during their first pregnancy. Other women may experience hemorrhoids progressively through each pregnancy. The rate at which a pregnant woman experiences hemorrhoids depends on the body’s natural response.

Child birth, due to its intense pushing, can cause temporary hemorrhoids that go away after a few weeks. Consult your doctor to determine whether to use an herbal remedy in aiding healing and to decide whether a specific treatment is safe for you.