Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCommon CausesLifestyle Risk FactorsMedical CausesGeneticsFrequently Asked QuestionsNext in Hemorrhoids GuideHow Hemorrhoids Are Diagnosed
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Common Causes
Lifestyle Risk Factors
Medical Causes
Genetics
Frequently Asked Questions
Next in Hemorrhoids Guide
As frustrating as hemorrhoids can be, even scientists are not entirely sure why some people develop them and others do not. What we do know is that there are certain factors that can increase a person’s risk. Some of these (such as a tendency to be constipated) are modifiable, while others (such as genetics and age) are not.
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Hemorrhoidswill affect three of every four people at one time or another in their lives.
While adults between 45 and 65 are at greatest risk, hemorrhoids can affect people who are far younger, often without explanation.
Hemorrhoids are most commonly associated with bowel movement problems, including:
Any of these conditions can affect the blood vessels located in the so-calledhemorrhoid cushion. This is an internal structure of the anal canal composed of connective tissues, smooth muscles, and blood vessels known as sinusoids.
Straining of any sort can cause a sudden rise in blood pressure in the hemorrhoid cushion. This, in turn, can cause a vessel to slip from the muscles and ligaments meant to hold it in place.
Can Hemorrhoids Cause Constipation? What to Know
Lifestyle Risk Factors
While bowel movement problems are the most common causes of hemorrhoids, there are certain lifestyle factors that can increase a person’s risk both directly and indirectly.
Poor Hydration
Dehydrated or drinking less than eight glasses of water per day (roughly half a gallon) can contribute to constipation and, therefore, thedevelopment of hemorrhoids.
Low-Fiber Diet
Dietary fiber is essential to digestive health, and many people simply don’t get enough. Low-fiber diets (with less than 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day) can significantly increase your risk of constipation.
According to guidance from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders (NKNKD), diets rich in the following foods can significantly increase your risk of constipation:
By contrast, the increased intake of insoluble fiber may help restore normal bowel function.
Lack of Regular Activity
Physical inactivity and the absence of regular exercise can cause a general loss of muscle tone (including the anorectal muscles) while affecting gastrointestinal motility (often resulting in alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation).
Why Am I Always Constipated? 9 Possible Causes
Hemorrhoids are a common feature in many health conditions, some serious and others not-so-serious. These include:
Because many of these conditions are serious and/or treatable, it is important not to ignore any hemorrhoid that is either worsening or failing to improve.
This may be a sign ofcolonorrectal cancer, both of which require immediate attention.
The same goes for chronic diarrhea and constipation. Neither should be considered normal, and steps should be taken to identify any underlying cause (such alactoseorgluten intolerance) that might explain or contribute to the condition.
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Pregnancy
During the pregnancy itself, the increased size of the uterus can exert pressure on theinferior vena cava, a large vessel on the right side of the body that receives blood from the lower limbs. Doing so impedes the flow of blood back to the heart and causes any vessels below the uterus to dilate, including those of the hemorrhoid cushion.
It is estimated that as many as 35 percent of women will develop hemorrhoids during the course of her pregnancy.
The risk typically increases with each subsequent birth.
Genetics can also play a role in the development of hemorrhoids. One such example is an inherited disorder calledEhlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS)in which the lack of collagen can lead to the impairment of pelvic floor tissues. Hemorrhoids are a common symptom of EDS and can sometimes foreshadow a more serious complication known asrectal prolapsein which the bowel falls partially or completely out of the body.
Another commonly noted defect is the absence of valves within hemorrhoidal veins, which can lead to excessive vascular pressure and swelling.
Frequently Asked QuestionsFor quick relief, ice packs can help with inflammation and sitz baths can soothe irritation and itching. Witch hazel and aloe vera are also useful remedies for flare-ups. Over-the-counter creams and stool softeners will relieve discomfort and make it easier to empty bowels.Ways to avoid developing hemorrhoids include not holding in your bowels and trying not to strain during bowel movements. Also, do not sit on the toilet for prolonged periods of time as this puts unnecessary pressure on your blood vessels. Finally, consider a diet with a lot of fiber, stay well hydrated, and exercise.
For quick relief, ice packs can help with inflammation and sitz baths can soothe irritation and itching. Witch hazel and aloe vera are also useful remedies for flare-ups. Over-the-counter creams and stool softeners will relieve discomfort and make it easier to empty bowels.
Ways to avoid developing hemorrhoids include not holding in your bowels and trying not to strain during bowel movements. Also, do not sit on the toilet for prolonged periods of time as this puts unnecessary pressure on your blood vessels. Finally, consider a diet with a lot of fiber, stay well hydrated, and exercise.
How Hemorrhoids Are Diagnosed
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sun, Z. and Migaly, J.Review of Hemorrhoid Disease: Presentation and Management.Clin Colon Rectal Surg.2016; 29(1):22-29. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1568144National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders.Symptoms & Causes of Hemorrhoids.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders.Eating, Diet, & Nutrition for Hemorrhoids: What should I eat if I have hemorrhoids?.Schubert MC, Sridhar S, Schade RR, Wexner SD.What every gastroenterologist needs to know about common anorectal disorders. World J Gastroenterol. 2009;15(26):3201-9. doi:10.3748/wjg.15.3201Staroselsky A, Nava-ocampo AA, Vohra S, Koren G.Hemorrhoids in pregnancy. Can Fam Physician; 54(2):189-90.Plackett TP, Kwon E, Gagliano RA, Oh RC.Ehlers-danlos syndrome-hypermobility type and hemorrhoids. Case Rep Surg. 2014;2014:171803. doi:10.1155/2014/171803Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School.Hemorrhoids and what to do about them.Cleveland Clinic.5 simple ways you can prevent hemorrhoids.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sun, Z. and Migaly, J.Review of Hemorrhoid Disease: Presentation and Management.Clin Colon Rectal Surg.2016; 29(1):22-29. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1568144National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders.Symptoms & Causes of Hemorrhoids.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders.Eating, Diet, & Nutrition for Hemorrhoids: What should I eat if I have hemorrhoids?.Schubert MC, Sridhar S, Schade RR, Wexner SD.What every gastroenterologist needs to know about common anorectal disorders. World J Gastroenterol. 2009;15(26):3201-9. doi:10.3748/wjg.15.3201Staroselsky A, Nava-ocampo AA, Vohra S, Koren G.Hemorrhoids in pregnancy. Can Fam Physician; 54(2):189-90.Plackett TP, Kwon E, Gagliano RA, Oh RC.Ehlers-danlos syndrome-hypermobility type and hemorrhoids. Case Rep Surg. 2014;2014:171803. doi:10.1155/2014/171803Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School.Hemorrhoids and what to do about them.Cleveland Clinic.5 simple ways you can prevent hemorrhoids.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Sun, Z. and Migaly, J.Review of Hemorrhoid Disease: Presentation and Management.Clin Colon Rectal Surg.2016; 29(1):22-29. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1568144National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders.Symptoms & Causes of Hemorrhoids.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders.Eating, Diet, & Nutrition for Hemorrhoids: What should I eat if I have hemorrhoids?.Schubert MC, Sridhar S, Schade RR, Wexner SD.What every gastroenterologist needs to know about common anorectal disorders. World J Gastroenterol. 2009;15(26):3201-9. doi:10.3748/wjg.15.3201Staroselsky A, Nava-ocampo AA, Vohra S, Koren G.Hemorrhoids in pregnancy. Can Fam Physician; 54(2):189-90.Plackett TP, Kwon E, Gagliano RA, Oh RC.Ehlers-danlos syndrome-hypermobility type and hemorrhoids. Case Rep Surg. 2014;2014:171803. doi:10.1155/2014/171803Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School.Hemorrhoids and what to do about them.Cleveland Clinic.5 simple ways you can prevent hemorrhoids.
Sun, Z. and Migaly, J.Review of Hemorrhoid Disease: Presentation and Management.Clin Colon Rectal Surg.2016; 29(1):22-29. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1568144
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders.Symptoms & Causes of Hemorrhoids.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders.Eating, Diet, & Nutrition for Hemorrhoids: What should I eat if I have hemorrhoids?.
Schubert MC, Sridhar S, Schade RR, Wexner SD.What every gastroenterologist needs to know about common anorectal disorders. World J Gastroenterol. 2009;15(26):3201-9. doi:10.3748/wjg.15.3201
Staroselsky A, Nava-ocampo AA, Vohra S, Koren G.Hemorrhoids in pregnancy. Can Fam Physician; 54(2):189-90.
Plackett TP, Kwon E, Gagliano RA, Oh RC.Ehlers-danlos syndrome-hypermobility type and hemorrhoids. Case Rep Surg. 2014;2014:171803. doi:10.1155/2014/171803
Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School.Hemorrhoids and what to do about them.
Cleveland Clinic.5 simple ways you can prevent hemorrhoids.
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