Living with hemorrhoids can be such a pain in the butt... no pun intended.
Sadly almost three out of four grown-ups will have hemorrhoids every now and then. But luckily for us, there are successful choices to treat hemorrhoids.
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If you’re scared of embarrassing doctor visits or you feel insecure during intimate moments, you might need to overcome your fear and get the problem checked out promptly.
Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum and anus. They are like varicose veins but they can shrink if you have a small one. They can occur both internally and externally.
Not a pretty sight at all!
The thing is, they have various causes, however regularly the reason is obscure. While many people may experience temporary relief with over-the-counter treatments, there are some ways to reduce or get rid of external hemorrhoids permanently.
However, the simple truth is, the disorder never really goes away. They are almost always for life. The best thing you can try to do is to prevent them totally by adhering to some lifestyle changes.
Side effects of outer hemorrhoids
Pain and discomfort
Hemorrhoids can cause varying degrees of pain, itching, and discomfort. This can range from mild irritation to severe pain during bowel movements or while sitting.
Rectal bleeding
One of the most common symptoms of hemorrhoids is rectal bleeding. This usually occurs during or after bowel movements and may be noticed as blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl.
Swelling and inflammation
Hemorrhoids can become swollen, inflamed, and tender. External hemorrhoids may form blood clots, resulting in a condition called thrombosed hemorrhoids, which can be particularly painful.
Itching and irritation
Hemorrhoids can cause persistent itching, irritation, and a burning sensation around the anus.
Prolapse
In some cases, internal hemorrhoids may protrude outside the anus, leading to a condition known as prolapsed hemorrhoids. This can cause discomfort and difficulty in hygiene.
Gosh! It really takes out the sexiness from the whole situation!
Mucus discharge
As if the occasional bleeding, pain and swelling are not enough, Hemorrhoids can produce excess mucus, leading to a sticky discharge that may cause itching and discomfort.
Causes of external hemorrhoids
While the exact cause of hemorrhoids is not always clear, several factors can contribute to their development.
Straining during bowel movements
The most common cause of hemorrhoids is straining while passing stools. This can happen due to constipation, hard stools, or prolonged periods of sitting on the toilet. We’ve all been there and got the T-shirt.
Chronic diarrhea
Frequent episodes of diarrhea can irritate the rectal area and lead to the development of hemorrhoids.
Tough times I say!
Pregnancy
Increased pressure on the pelvic region during pregnancy, along with hormonal changes, can cause hemorrhoids to develop. Seems like double jeopardy to me.
Obesity
Excess body weight and obesity can put additional pressure on the veins in the rectal area, leading to the formation of hemorrhoids.
You know what to do? Shed those extra pounds.
Sedentary lifestyle
Lack of physical activity and prolonged periods of sitting or standing can contribute to the development of hemorrhoids. There’s also research that says people with inactive lifestyles are four times more likely to die than someone that’s active. Get moving!
Aging
The risk of developing hemorrhoids increases with age as the tissues supporting the veins in the rectal area tend to weaken. The sooner you discover you have the symptoms, the earlier you should work on it.
The veins around your rear end will generally extend under tension and may lump or grow. Other causes include being corpulent and having anal intercourse. As you age, your gamble of hemorrhoids increases.
Effective ways to prevent external hemorrhoids.
Increase fiber intake
Eating a diet rich in fiber can help prevent constipation, which is a common cause of external hemorrhoids. Fiber can also help soften stools, making them easier to pass. Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
Doing as such relax the stool and expands its mass, which will assist you with staying away from the stress that can deteriorate side effects from existing hemorrhoids. Add fiber to your eating routine gradually to stay away from issues with gas.
Stay hydrated
For Pete’s sake just start guzzling down tons of water. How hard could that be? Drinking plenty of water can help keep stools soft and prevent constipation, which can worsen external hemorrhoids. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day, and avoid drinks that can dehydrate you, such as alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
Exercise regularly
Regular exercise can help improve circulation and prevent constipation, which can help reduce the risk of developing external hemorrhoids. It can also help you maintain a healthy weight, which can reduce the strain on your rectal area.
Take warm baths
Taking a warm bath for 15 to 20 minutes can help relieve the pain and discomfort of external hemorrhoids. You can also add Epsom salt to the bathwater to help reduce inflammation.
Consider fiber supplements.
A great many people don't get enough of the prescribed measure of fiber - 20 to 30 grams per day - in their eating routine. Studies have shown that over-the-counter fiber supplements, like psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel), work on generally speaking side effects and draining from hemorrhoids.
Assuming you use fiber supplements, make certain to drink no less than eight glasses of water or different liquids consistently. Any other way, the enhancements can cause or deteriorate clogging. Try not to strain. Stressing and pausing your breathing while attempting to pass a stool makes more noteworthy strain on the veins in the lower rectum.
Work out.
Remain dynamic to assist with the forestalling stoppage and to lessen the strain on veins, which can happen with significant stretches of standing or sitting. Exercise can likewise assist you with losing an overabundance of weight that may be adding to your hemorrhoids.
Keep away from extensive stretches of sitting. Sitting too long, especially on the latrine, can press the veins in the butt.
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Effective ways to treat external hemorrhoids.
Apply topical treatments
Over-the-counter topical treatments, such as creams and ointments, can help reduce itching and pain. These treatments usually contain ingredients like witch hazel, hydrocortisone, or lidocaine. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and only use them as directed.
Practice good hygiene
Keeping the affected area clean and dry can help prevent infection and reduce discomfort. Use moist wipes or a bidet instead of dry toilet paper, and avoid using harsh soaps or perfumes in the affected area.
Consider a medical procedure
If conservative treatments don't provide relief, your doctor may recommend a medical procedure to remove or reduce external hemorrhoids. These procedures include rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, or hemorrhoidectomy. These procedures are generally safe and effective but may involve some risks and a longer recovery time.
Avoid straining during bowel movements
Straining during bowel movements can worsen external hemorrhoids or cause them to recur. To avoid straining, try using a footstool to raise your feet while sitting on the toilet, take your time when using the bathroom, and avoid pushing or holding your breath.
Manage stress
Stress can contribute to constipation and worsen external hemorrhoids. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, can help reduce the risk of developing external hemorrhoids.
If you don’t continue to practice good habits, the hemorrhoids can flare up again with some related incidents of UTI and few extreme cases of kidney infections.
Medical ways to treat external hemorrhoids.
There are various medical procedures available for treating hemorrhoids, depending on the severity and type of hemorrhoids. If you have small hemorrhoids, chances are that they might still shrink by applying some home remedies and lifestyle changes. So while they never completely go away, they can still go down.
However if your hemorrhoids have progressed to Stage 3 or 4, you might need to resort to surgery as the last option to remove the external and possibly internal hemorrhoids.
Some common medical procedures used to treat hemorrhoids include:
Rubber band ligation
This is one of the most common procedures for treating internal hemorrhoids. A rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid, cutting off its blood supply. Eventually, the hemorrhoid shrinks and falls off within a week, usually without any pain.
Sclerotherapy
This procedure involves injecting a chemical solution into the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink. Sclerotherapy is primarily used for treating internal hemorrhoids.
Infrared coagulation (IRC)
In this procedure, an infrared light is used to coagulate the blood vessels supplying the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink. IRC is commonly used for small to medium-sized internal hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoidectomy
This surgical procedure is performed to remove larger or prolapsed internal hemorrhoids or external hemorrhoids. It involves surgically excising the hemorrhoid tissue under local or general anesthesia. Hemorrhoidectomy may require a period of recovery and discomfort after the procedure.
Hemorrhoid stapling
This procedure is mainly used for treating prolapsed hemorrhoids. It involves using a circular stapling device to reposition and secure the hemorrhoidal tissue back into its normal position, thereby reducing blood flow to the hemorrhoids.
Laser or electrocoagulation
These procedures use laser or electric currents to create a coagulation effect, which shrinks the hemorrhoid tissue.
In conclusion, external hemorrhoids can be a painful and uncomfortable condition, but there are ways to treat and prevent them permanently. Eating a high-fiber diet, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, taking warm baths, using ice packs, and practicing good hygiene can all help relieve symptoms.
If these conservative treatments don't provide relief, medical procedures may be necessary. By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of developing external hemorrhoids and enjoy better digestive health.
Lastly, always remember that hemorrhoids can flare up anytime even after surgery. You will need to continue to maintain good habits and lifestyle to curb it.
Until then, take care of yourself.
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