Are Your Daily Habits Increasing Your Risk of Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that can develop inside (internal hemorrhoid) or outside (external hemorrhoid) your anus and rectum. While some hemorrhoids are mild with minimal symptoms, others can become severe and lead to unpleasant symptoms such as pain, itching, and bleeding. 

Thankfully, plenty of effective treatments exist for hemorrhoids, many of which you can try on your own at home. However, it’s even better to try to prevent them. Some people may be more prone to hemorrhoid development, but other risk factors, such as your daily habits, are well within your control. 

So, Betsy Clemens, MD, and the rest of our team at Midwest Hemorrhoid Treatment Center in Town and Country, Missouri, want to discuss some habits that may need addressing to significantly reduce your risk for hemorrhoids in this month’s blog. 

Never ignore the urge to go

While this may seem like common sense, too often people delay using the bathroom. The more often you ignore or delay the urge to go, the harder your stool becomes, making it more difficult to pass when using the bathroom.

As soon as that stool becomes hard and causes you to have to strain during a bowel movement, the pressure on your veins significantly increases, skyrocketing your risk for hemorrhoids. 

Try always to go as soon as you have the urge, but scheduling bathroom breaks throughout your day can also help mitigate the risk that you’ll have to put it off due to a hectic schedule.

Don’t sit on the toilet longer than necessary

If you have stacks of books and magazines on your toilet tank or always take your phone into the bathroom with you, consider eliminating the habit of scrolling and reading in the bathroom. 

That time spent on the toilet shouldn’t be viewed as a prolonged break, because the longer you sit on the toilet, the more likely you are to strain and put more pressure on your veins. 

Check your diet

Straining on the toilet is a top contributor to hemorrhoids, and constipation makes you more likely to do just that.

Having plenty of fiber in your diet is a surefire way to soften your stools and make them far easier to pass. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are packed full of fiber and benefit your overall wellness, too.

Drinking plenty of water is another great way to keep things moving.

Move your body (and your gut)

Living a sedentary lifestyle slows down digestion and puts you at risk for constipation and subsequent hemorrhoids. Engaging in moderate exercise at least five days a week helps ensure that everything in your gut functions as it should. 

Schedule an appointment with our expert team

If you’re prone to hemorrhoids or develop a severe hemorrhoid that isn’t improving with at-home treatments, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Dr. Clemens. She can examine the hemorrhoid and discuss how to improve your lifestyle habits further to accommodate chronic hemorrhoids. 

To book an appointment, call our office or use our online scheduling tool today.