Also known as piles, hemorrhoids are swollen veins inside the rectum (internal) or under the skin around the anus (external). They are common, and most adults deal with hemorrhoids from time to time. Symptoms may include discomfort, itching, and bleeding. Several factors can lead to hemorrhoids. They form under different circumstances, but in some cases, the actual cause may be unknown. Keep reading to learn more about the causes of hemorrhoids along with possible complications.

Cause: Straining During Bowel Movements

Straining during a bowel movement is one of the main causes of hemorrhoids. As you push, the veins around the anus can stretch under pressure causing them to bulge and swell. Holding your breath or straining when trying to pass stool puts more pressure in the veins of your lower rectum.

Cause: Chronic Diarrhea or Constipation

Chronic diarrhea or constipation is a more obvious cause of hemorrhoids. Sitting for long periods of time, especially on the toilet, can increase pressure in the veins of the anus. As soon as you feel the urge to pass a bowel movement, do not wait. If the urge goes away, the stool can dry out and be hard to pass.

Cause: Obesity

Being overweight or obese can lead to several health ailments including hemorrhoids. You should focus on regular exercise and a balanced diet to lose weight. Staying active in general moves you from the sitting position. It can help prevent constipation, too. All of these factors combined can help reduce your chance of developing hemorrhoids.

Cause: Pregnancy

You may get hemorrhoids for the first time in your life during pregnancy. Try not to panic if you notice blood after wiping. Because of the extra weight, increased pressure is on your veins. You may experience bleeding by the anus because of the hemorrhoids, but this has nothing to do with having a healthy baby.

Cause: Low-Fiber Diet

If you have a fiber deficiency, you can develop constipation and hemorrhoids as a result. You need to increase your intake of fiber. This means eating more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Having more fiber in your diet softens your stool and increases its bulk, so you don’t have to strain. Add it slowly if you want to avoid gas problems.

Anal Intercourse

Anytime the anus is irritated; hemorrhoids can form. Anal intercourse can cause the veins to bulge and swell around the anus and in the lower rectum. You may experience hemorrhoids for several days after participating in this activity. To prevent this, you should try lubrication or find pleasure with your partner in other ways.

Cause: Aging

You do not have to be elderly to experience hemorrhoids. However, the older you get, the higher your chances are because the tissues that support the veins within your anus and rectum become weak and stretch out over time. Therefore, even if you try to prevent hemorrhoids, you might deal with them as you age.

Complications: Anemia

Hemorrhoids do not have hardly any complications associated with them. However, in a very rare case, chronic blood loss from hemorrhoids could lead to anemia. An anemic person does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the cells throughout your body. Symptoms of anemia include having cold hands and feet or feeling weak and tired.

Complications: Strangulated Hemorrhoid

Another rare complication associated with hemorrhoids includes strangulated hemorrhoid. When an internal hemorrhoid in the rectum is left untreated (also known as a prolapsed pile), it can get caught in the sphincter muscle and cut off from the blood supply. This is known as strangulated, and it causes excruciating pain.

Complications: Thrombosed Hemorrhoid

If a blood clot forms in a hemorrhoid, it’s known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid. While they are extremely painful, they are not dangerous. Depending on your situation, you may need medical attention. The clot might have to be lanced and drained. If you have a hemorrhoid, you can seek relief in most cases from at-home treatments and lifestyle changes.