What Causes Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids can cause pain and discomfort that disrupts your life. Effective treatment can relieve symptoms and address the underlying causes of hemorrhoids.

This article will give you a basic understanding of what hemorrhoids are, what causes them, and how to find effective hemorrhoids treatment. For more information, reach out to the team at Gastroenterology of the Rockies to explore your treatment options.

What are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids–sometimes called piles–occur when the veins in your lower rectum or anus become swollen. Hemorrhoids can occur internally on the inside of the rectum or externally under the skin surrounding the anus.

Hemorrhoids are relatively common, with about 75% of adults experiencing them at some point during their lifetime.

Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood that someone will develop hemorrhoids. Age is one significant risk factor for hemorrhoids because the skin and muscles around the anus thin over time. Pregnancy is another significant risk factor, as the weight of the developing baby strains the areas around the anus.

What are the Symptoms of Hemorrhoids?

There are two types of hemorrhoids: internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids. The symptoms you experience depend on the kind of hemorrhoids you have.

Symptoms of external hemorrhoids include:

• Itching and irritation around your anus
• Discomfort or pain in the anal region
• Swelling in the area around your anus
• Bleeding

You may be able to see external hemorrhoids because they appear on the surface of the area surrounding your anus.

Internal hemorrhoids have the following symptoms:

• Painless bleeding during bowel movements–small amounts of bright red blood in the toilet or on the toilet paper
• Protruding hemorrhoid that pushes out of the anus that is painful or irritated

Since internal hemorrhoids are inside the anus, you may be unable to see them. However, uncomfortable symptoms, including pain, can alert you to a problem.

What Causes Hemorrhoids?

In some cases, it is difficult to determine the cause of hemorrhoids. However, some factors can cause pressure and swelling in the anal area, leading to hemorrhoids. Here are some of the most common causes of hemorrhoids.

Straining during bowel movements

Poor diet, lifestyle choices, medications, and other factors can cause constipation or make it more challenging to have a bowel movement. Straining during a bowel movement can cause pressure in the anal region and result in hemorrhoids.

Obesity

Excess body weight can put a strain on the muscles and tissues in the anal region, leading to the formation of hemorrhoids.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy causes many changes in the body, including excess weight and lots of pressure in the pelvis and groin. Extra stress and strain on the pelvic and anal region can make people more vulnerable to hemorrhoids during pregnancy.

Anal intercourse

Anal intercourse can cause strain and pressure in the anus and surrounding muscles and tissues. This extra strain can result in hemorrhoids.

Regular heavy lifting

Repeated heavy lifting, either during work, exercise, or recreation, can put excess pressure on the pelvis and anal region. The strain and pressure of lifting heavy weights regularly can result in hemorrhoids.

Find Hemorrhoids Treatment Now

Regardless of the cause, hemorrhoids can make you miserable. You don’t have to live with the pain and discomfort of hemorrhoids. Find effective hemorrhoid treatment by contacting the team at Gastroenterology of the Rockies now.