Common Hemorrhoid Causes

Identifying hemorrhoid causes, also known as piles, may help you prevent getting this painful condition in the future.

Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen, painful veins in the lower rectal area and in the anus. Hemorrhoids can be either internal or external. Internal hemorrhoids, which are located inside the rectum, don't usually hurt. In addition, you won't be able to feel this type of hemorrhoid by touch. If you bleed during a bowel movement, you may have internal hemorrhoids, even if you don't feel any pain.

External hemorrhoids, which can be very painful, form around the anus. These hemorrhoids can swell, itch and bleed. 

Causes of Hemorrhoids
The tendency to develop hemorrhoids can be inherited. In addition, almost 50 percent of adults have experienced hemorrhoids by the time that they reach the age of 50 because the veins in the affected areas have less support from surrounding tissues as a result of the aging process.

People can also develop hemorrhoids if they are consistently constipated. When you are constipated, it takes more effort to have a bowel movement, putting pressure on the lower rectum.

Although it may seem contradictory, diarrhea also can lead to hemorrhoids. This is because, like constipation, chronic diarrhea puts pressure on the veins in the anal area.

Pregnant women often develop hemorrhoids for several reasons:

• Women who are pregnant tend to have problems with constipation. In addition, during pregnancy, the blood flow to the lower half of the body also slows, which can lead to hemorrhoids.
• Women who are pregnant also produce more of the hormone progesterone. Progesterone not only contributes to constipation, additional progesterone in the body can make it easier for veins to swell.

Treatment of Hemorrhoids
Consult your physician for the appropriate treatment for your hemorrhoids. Your doctor may recommend over the counter remedies in addition to sitz baths for mild cases all the way up to surgery for severe cases.