Causes of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are usually the result of swollen or bulging veins in the rectum or around the anus. Generally, this is because of increased pressure and stress on the tissues in the lower rectal region.

So, what might cause such increased pressure and stress? Here are some of the more common causes and risk factors:

Straining during bowel movements

If you are straining during bowel movements then you may be pushing excessive downward pressure that could promote the development of hemorrhoids. If you already have hemorrhoids, then this may make the condition worse.

If straining is due to constipation then consider making changes to your diet.

The expulsive force of watery stool caused by diarrhea can also damage rectal veins and lead to hemorrhoids.

Prolonged sitting

Sitting for prolonged periods, particularly on the toilet, promotes the development of hemorrhoids. Sitting this way relaxes the muscles around the rectum and anus and gravity pulls on tissues downward.

Consider that the incidence of hemorrhoids is very rare in countries where squat toilets are used. Squatting activates other muscles that hold tissue and structure together, unlike the relaxed position sitting on a toilet.

It's also believed that standing for prolonged periods can also increase the risk of hemorrhoids.

Diet

A diet rich in processed foods, as is common in western culture, if often lacking in dietary fibre. This can lead to constipation which may therefore lead to straining that causes problems as described earlier.

Another factor is adequate hydration - do you drink enough water? If you are dehydrated then this may lead to a dryer stool making it more difficult to pass.

Be aware that caffeine is a diuretic and it's usually found in drinks such as coffee, tea and soft drink. It will contribute to dehydrating you. Therefore, if you're consuming caffeine make sure that you're drinking extra water.

You can learn more in our section on how diet affects hemorrhoids here.

Obesity

Excessive body weight will cause additional rectal pressure.

Pregnancy

The increasing weight of the developing fetus places considerable added pressure on the rectal region. See also our section on Pregnancy and Hemorrhoids.

Postponing bowel movements

One of the functions of the large intestine is to reclaim water from the stool. If passing the stool is postponed then it tends to make the stool drier, making it more difficult to pass which means that you are more likely to strain.

Anal sex

This action places significant stress on delicate rectal tissue that may promote the development of hemorrhoids or make an existing condition worse.

Aging

Although aging is not an actual cause of hemorrhoids, people are more likely to get hemorrhoids as they age because the tissues that support the veins in the rectal region may weaken and stretch.

Genetics

Some people have a genetic predisposition to developing hemorrhoids. It doesn't mean that they will develop hemorrhoids - it just means that are more likely to develop them and are likely to be more sensitive to the risk factors mentioned.