7 Surprising Factors That May Worsen Your Hemorrhoid Symptoms

Life with hemorrhoids isn’t pleasant. You probably want to do what you can to make them as comfortable as possible until they heal or get removed.

Unfortunately, some people unwittingly make choices that actually make their hemorrhoid symptoms worse. 

We want to help you avoid that. With that in mind, Betsy Clemens, MD, and our Midwest Hemorrhoid Treatment Center team built this guide. With our expertise in treating hemorrhoids, we have lots of experience with what works to improve symptoms — and what can worsen them. For help healing these swollen veins, come see us at our office in Town and Country, Missouri.

In the meantime, here are some factors that can worsen symptoms — and avoid when you can.

#1: Straining

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in or around your anus. When you strain during a bowel movement, you put extra pressure on those veins. That can worsen pain, itching, bleeding, and other symptoms.

#2: Sitting on the toilet for too long

When you sit on the toilet, it puts pressure on your anus. 

Constipation and diarrhea often come into play with hemorrhoids, but do what you can to minimize your time on the toilet. Otherwise, the added pressure on your anal veins can make your symptoms worse. 

#3: Not getting enough fiber

Fiber helps your body’s solid waste removal processes work as they should. When stools are more regular and easier to pass, it helps to minimize pressure on your swollen veins. Health experts recommend getting 14 grams of dietary fiber for every 1,000 calories you eat.

You can get good amounts of fiber from food sources like beans, whole grains, produce, nuts, and seeds. If you have trouble getting enough fiber from your diet, Dr. Clemens may recommend a fiber supplement.

#4: Eating certain foods

High-fiber foods can help with symptoms, but other foods can make them worse. Spicy foods, dairy, and processed meats are the top culprits here.

#5: Lifting something heavy

The problem with strain continues. Lifting heavy items often means bearing down on the veins in your anus, potentially exacerbating your symptoms. 

#6: Improper or excessive hygiene

If you don’t properly clean yourself after you poop, fecal matter can irritate the skin, worsening itching and discomfort. You can run into problems on the other end of the spectrum, though, too. Scrubbing too hard isn’t good for your swollen veins.

Instead, be thorough but gentle. Installing a bidet can help — and might be easier than you think.

#7: Age

As you get older, the tissues in and around your anus get weaker. That makes hemorrhoids more likely, and can make their symptoms worse. Unfortunately, this factor is beyond your control. But we can help you develop a plan to avoid the others on this list.

If you’re struggling with hemorrhoids, come see Dr. Clemens. She helps you explore your treatment options, from lifestyle changes to minimally invasive procedures.

Don’t live life with uncomfortable symptoms. For help avoiding factors that can make hemorrhoids worse while deploying treatment to heal or eliminate them, call our office or use our online booking feature today.