Constipation is thought to be one of the leading cause of hemorrhoids. Based on the very definition of a hemorrhoid, it’s easy to see why constipation and hemorrhoids are closely linked. Hemorrhoids are veins in the anal canal that have become swollen, often due to too much pressure. Constipation will almost always lead to straining, which puts unwanted pressure on those veins.
Too much straining due to constipation can cause either internal or external hemorrhoids. While internal hemorrhoids rarely cause pain (they can bleed, swell and itch), the external hemorrhoids that form near the opening of the anus can become quite painful over time. Doctor-administered treatments like the CRH O’Regan System can safely get rid of hemorrhoids for good, but as our experienced doctors will tell you: it’s always best to avoid hemorrhoids in the first place.
Do Hemorrhoids cause Constipation?
Sometimes, patients notice that their hemorrhoids flare up right around the same time a bout of constipation hits. This leads some patients to wonder “Do hemorrhoids cause constipation?” The answer is no. In fact, it’s actually the other way around. If your hemorrhoids are causing more discomfort, pain, or bleeding, constipation is a likely cause. As stated above, constipation leads to straining, causing veins to swell and become permanent hemorrhoids.
Avoiding Constipation and Hemorrhoids
Avoiding constipation and hemorrhoids begins with a healthy lifestyle. Drinking enough water and getting the right amount of fiber in our diet is crucial to avoiding constipation altogether. Other causes of constipation include stress, eating too much dairy, antacid medicine, or even sitting for extended periods of time. That’s why, in addition to drinking water and eating high-fiber foods, it’s important to stay active and avoid taking too much antacid. If you know yourself to be prone to hemorrhoids, try to reduce stress, as well as your dairy intake.
Following these rules can certainly reduce your chances of developing constipation, but there’s still no guarantee you’ll avoid hemorrhoid development. Almost 75% of adults will develop hemorrhoids sometime in their life. Also, due to the pressure put on the rectal area during pregnancy, women who have been pregnant will almost always have to deal with unwanted hemorrhoids.
Contact your local physician for additional tips on avoiding or dealing with constipation. Want to get rid of pesky hemorrhoids for good? Be sure to ask about the CRH O’Regan System – the simple, non-surgical way to remove hemorrhoids.