Do you take your smartphone into the bathroom with you?
Those few minutes alone may seem like the perfect time to catch up on social media, er, the latest news. But all that swiping can lead to more time spent sitting on the toilet. And that can lead to hemorrhoids — painful, swollen veins or blood vessels in and around your anus and lower rectum.
Hemorrhoids sound scary — nevermind the fact that the name is just one “r” short of “horror” — but the condition is not life threatening. However, the pain caused by hemorrhoids can be severe and have a major impact on your quality of life.
Although everyone has these same blood vessels and veins, we associate hemorrhoids, technically symptomatic hemorrhoids, with the inflamed, painful and/or itchy condition that can leave you bleeding from your backside.
For this reason, it’s no surprise that hemorrhoids aren’t the most popular topic of discussion, but they are very common. At least half of adults in the U.S. have experienced symptoms at one time or another. Women usually get hemorrhoids during pregnancy and childbirth when there’s more pressure from the growing uterus on the anal area.
Pressure is the main cause of hemorrhoids. But most of us aren’t scrolling through our phones on the throne thinking about rectum pressure. Or maybe you did see the viral TikTok video about the dangers of too much toilet time and hemorrhoids. Either way, we haven’t scared you off, so here’s more on what you need to know about hemorrhoids and self-care remedies that may help prevent and treat hemorrhoids.
Read: Is It Hemorrhoids or Something Worse? >>
What causes hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are caused by pressure. In addition to sitting too long on the toilet and pregnancy, straining to poop can cause hemorrhoids. Anal sex, chronic diarrhea and obesity may also cause hemorrhoids.
Types of hemorrhoids
To understand hemorrhoids and self-care options, you have to know the types. There are two types of hemorrhoids:
- External: found 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 mass and may bleed. Internal hemorrhoids are usually painless and the most common symptom is rectal bleeding. Internal hemorrhoids can be very painful if prolapse occurs (when the hemorrhoid bulges 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 as to what causes hemorrhoids, but many people can prevent complications and reduce symptoms through lifestyle choices. These can include:
- Eating a high-fiber diet (20 to 30 grams of fiber a day)
- Staying hydrated
- Avoiding beverages that lead to dehydration (coffee, alcohol)
- Avoiding strenuous exercises and heavy upper body lifting
- Limiting time on the toilet
Another idea is to try a toilet stool like the Squatty Potty. Sure, it’s fun to say, but it’s also backed by research that shows pooping in a squat-like position can mean less straining while you go. And that can mean less risk for hemorrhoids.
At-home treatment options for hemorrhoids
Luckily, many people can treat symptoms of hemorrhoids at home. Remedies may include:
- A warm bath: Soak your bum for 10 to 15 minutes in a warm bath two to three times a day. Or try a sitz bath that fits over the toilet.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) ointments or wipes: Products with lidocaine or witch hazel can help soothe symptoms like pain and itch. A suppository with hydrocortisone may also help.
- Pain relievers: OTC medications including ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help relieve pain.
In addition to these options, eat a high fiber diet and use stool softeners if you’re straining when you poop. Symptoms should get better within a week. If you’re still having pain or bleeding, contact your healthcare provider (HCP). You may want to consider a minimally invasive procedure or surgical removal of the hemorrhoid.
What kind of doctor treats hemorrhoids?
Your HCP is the first stop if you think you’re having symptoms of hemorrhoids. During the visit, your HCP will look for external hemorrhoids that are easy to see and/or perform a digital examination to feel for anything abnormal in your rectum. If needed, your HCP 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 to note for women. Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer among women under 50. And rates of colorectal cancer are on the rise. If you notice blood before, during or after you poop, don’t assume that it’s because of a hemorrhoid. Talk to your HCP as soon as possible.
Read: The Connection Between Young Adults and Colon Cancer >>
How to talk to your healthcare provider about hemorrhoids
Talking about your butt can be awkward. But it helps to remember that hemorrhoids are very common and you probably won’t be the first person talking to your HCP about hemorrhoids that day. It always helps to write down your symptoms, if you’ve tried any at-home treatments and if you’ve noticed any changes in your bowel movements.
Hemorrhoids can be a real pain in the butt. But you have options.
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