Do you take your smartphone to the bathroom?
Those few minutes alone may seem like the perfect time to catch up on social media — aka, the latest news. But all that swiping can result in you spending more time sitting on the toilet. And that can lead to hemorrhoids — swollen, painful veins or blood vessels in the anus and lower rectum.
Hemorrhoids may sound scary (not to mention the name is just one “r” shy of “horror”), but the condition is not life-threatening. However, the pain hemorrhoids cause can be intense and have a major impact on your quality of life.
Even though we all have the same blood vessels and veins, we associate hemorrhoids, technically symptomatic hemorrhoids, with the swollen, painful and/or itchy condition that can leave you bleeding from your butt.
For this reason, it is not surprising that hemorrhoids are not the most popular topic of discussion, but they are very common. At least Half of adults in the US I have experienced symptoms at some point. Women often get hemorrhoids during pregnancy and childbirth, when the growing uterus puts more pressure on the anal area.
Pressure is the main cause of hemorrhoids, but most of us don’t spend our days staring at our phones while sitting on our thrones thinking about the pressure on our rectum. Or maybe you’ve seen the viral video TikTok video about the dangers of spending too much time in the bathroom and hemorrhoids. Either way, we haven’t scared you off, so here’s more information on what you need to know about hemorrhoids and self-care remedies that can help prevent and treat them.
Read: Are They Hemorrhoids or Something Worse? >>
What causes hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are caused by pressure. In addition to sitting on the toilet for too long and pregnancy, straining to have a bowel movement can cause hemorrhoids. Anal sex, chronic diarrhea, and obesity can also cause hemorrhoids.
Types of hemorrhoids
To understand hemorrhoids and self-care options, it is necessary to know the types. There are Two types of hemorrhoids:
- External: located under the skin, outside and near the anus.
- Internal: Found in the lining of the anus and lower rectum.
External hemorrhoids can be itchy and painful, especially if a blood clot forms. This can cause a painful lump and bleed. Internal hemorrhoids are usually painless, and the most common symptom is rectal bleeding. Internal hemorrhoids can be very painful if they prolapse (when the hemorrhoid sticks out of the anus and can’t be pushed back in). External hemorrhoids can also prolapse.
Read: My symptoms were dismissed as hemorrhoids, but I had colon cancer >>
How to prevent hemorrhoids
Research is ongoing into the causes of hemorrhoids, but many people can prevent complications and reduce symptoms through lifestyle changes, such as:
- Eat a high-fiber diet (20 to 30 grams of fiber per day)
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid drinks that cause dehydration (coffee, alcohol)
- Avoid strenuous exercises and heavy upper body lifting.
- Limit time in the bathroom
Another idea is to try a toilet stool like the Squatty Potty. Sure, it’s fun to say, but it’s also backed by investigation This shows that pooping in a squatting position can mean less straining when going to the bathroom and therefore less risk of hemorrhoids.
Home Treatment Options for Hemorrhoids
Fortunately, many people can treat hemorrhoid symptoms at home. Remedies may include:
- A warm bath: Soak your bottom for 10 to 15 minutes in a warm bath two or three times a day. Or try a sitz bath that fits over the toilet.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) ointments or wipes:Products containing lidocaine or witch hazel may help relieve symptoms such as pain and itching. A suppository containing hydrocortisone may also help.
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications, including ibuprofen and acetaminophen, may help relieve pain.
In addition to these options, eat a high-fiber diet and use stool softeners if you strain when passing stool. Symptoms should improve within a week. If you continue to have pain or bleeding, contact your health care provider. You may want to consider a minimally invasive procedure or surgical removal of the hemorrhoid.
What kind of doctor treats hemorrhoids?
Your primary care doctor is the first choice if you think you have hemorrhoid symptoms. During the visit, your primary care doctor will feel for external hemorrhoids that are easy to see and/or perform a digital exam to detect any abnormalities in your rectum. If necessary, your primary care doctor may refer you to a specialist, including a gastroenterologist or a surgeon if you need a procedure.
The link between hemorrhoids and colon cancer in women
Although bleeding during bowel movements is linked to hemorrhoids, it could be a sign of something more serious, such as anal or colon cancer. This is especially important for women. Colorectal cancer is the second most deadly cancer among women under 50. And rates of bleeding during bowel movements are rising. Colorectal cancer is increasingIf you notice blood before, during, or after a bowel movement, don’t assume it’s due to a hemorrhoid. Talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
Read: The relationship between young adults and colon cancer >>
How to talk to your health care provider about hemorrhoids
Talking about your butt can be awkward, but it’s worth remembering that hemorrhoids are very common and you probably won’t be the first person to talk to your doctor about them that day. It’s always helpful to write down your symptoms, whether you’ve tried any home treatments, and whether you’ve noticed any changes in your bowel movements.
Hemorrhoids can be a real pain, but there are options.
Articles from your site
Related articles on the Web
