What Causes Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are the result of increasing pressure in the blood-supplying vessels of the anal-rectal region. To aid the smooth passage of stools, the lower end of the rectum and the entire anal canal is composed of soft connective tissues that are composed of a dense network of blood vessels, nerves and fine muscle fibers. These blood vessels are often referred to as Hemorrhoidal Blood Vessels. When subjected to more-than-bearable pressure, these vessels tend to swell or balloon, which induces pain and inflammation. When the blood vessels are unable to fight the rising pressure, they burst—a condition commonly referred to as Bleeding Hemorrhoids.

The blood vessels can be subjected to excessive pressure and cause hemorrhoids due to several reasons, such as:

• Chronic Constipation where the movement of stools is highly impaired due to lack of sufficient water or fiber. Constipation makes us strain harder on the toilet seat, inducing increased pressure on the anal-rectal area. Constipation also causes impaction of stools along the inner lining of the anal canal. The impacted stools get hardened over a period, further restricting the flow of stools apart from releasing toxins that often cause internal inflammations.

• Weakened Connective Tissue in the rectum and anus is found among the elderly or those with rare conditions like muscle-wasting diseases. Hemorrhoidal blood vessels are embedded in the connective tissue that needs to maintain a basic degree of elasticity to ensure sufficient, outward pressure upon the blood vessels. With weakened tissues, the veins become more vulnerable to ballooning or protruding

• Pregnancy is among the more common cause of hemorrhoids and is usually found during the last two trimesters. Here, the increased pressure is caused by the growing fetus in the abdomen. This type of hemorrhoidal condition usually disappears after childbirth.

• Weakening of the Anal Sphincter Muscle is among the lesser understood of hemorrhoidal causes. This muscle is primarily responsible for regulating the manner in which stools are expelled. Due to heavy weight lifting, the strength of this muscle can be compromised. This condition usually arises temporarily among weight-lifters subjected to strenuous weight-training. Excessive loosening or tightening of the sphincter muscles can induce hemorrhoids.

Apart from pregnancy, most causes of hemorrhoids are preventable or at least their impact can be restricted. It is important to understand how small changes like adopting healthier dietary habits, exercising, maintaining proper posture and adopting healthier bowel habits can prevent the onset and progression of hemorrhoids. Click here to know about the natural ways of curing hemorrhoids without undergoing surgery and how to avoid hemorrhoids in future.