Causes of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids often show up in our 50s and can be uncomfortable and painful. It’s not just the age factor, though, that causes hemorrhoids. In fact, our age has little to do with the condition. There are many causes of hemorrhoids. If you’re curious or looking into preventing the condition, read through this article. The very basic cause of hemorrhoids is the increased pressure in the veins of the rectum. Hemorrhoids are actually the result of a chain of causes. For instance, straining during bowel movement can cause increased pressure in the veins. Straining when using the toilet may be caused by consuming food that affects bowel movement in a negative way. A diet that is poor in fiber, for example, can make digestive functions difficult to pass stool. It has also been studied that consuming a lot of processed food can contribute to hemorrhoids.

It’s not just food or diet that can cause hemorrhoids. Your posture and daily habits can contribute to the condition as well. Sitting all day at a desk without taking a break to stand up and standing up all day can cause hemorrhoids. Even lying down or being sedentary for long periods of time can cause the condition. As you can see, doing any one thing for too long a time can contribute to hemorrhoids. Thus, it makes perfect sense to make time for activity like exercise and a variety of other things to take preventive measures.

Applying pressure causes hemorrhoids. The reason why sitting for long periods of time can contribute to hemorrhoids is that you are applying too much pressure on the veins. Rushing to pass stool or taking laxatives can also weaken the walls of blood vessels. It is like sitting on a balloon—when you apply more and more pressure, it is bound to burst. What happens is that blood starts to burst into the skin, causing blisters, itchiness, and pain. This is why the habit of reading while sitting on the toilet is also not advisable if you want to prevent hemorrhoids.

Furthermore, underlying causes can actually trigger hemorrhoids. Aside from the condition having a possible link to genetic predisposition in some individuals, it can be caused by other health conditions, obesity, or pregnancy.

Health conditions such as chronic constipation, diarrhea, and liver and heart disease can cause the veins in the rectum to enlarge as blood pools into the pelvic area and abdomen. Tumors in the pelvic area can also cause hemorrhoids, although this is a very rare case.

Obesity or being overweight increases pressure on the pelvic veins, as many of those who carry excessive weight can also suffer from high blood pressure.

During pregnancy, changes in hormonal activities and levels tend to increase blood flow into the pelvis, which contribute to more pressure in blood vessels. Even more pressure will be applied during labor as the baby is being pushed, so hemorrhoids may develop.

For medical advice on the causes of hemorrhoids and prevention, consult a healthcare professional.