It’s common knowledge that constipation and hemorrhoids are somehow linked. However, few people understand how the two affect each other and what measures to take under such affliction.
The additional pressure and restricted bowel movement caused by constipation are among the most common causes of hemorrhoids.
It’s a silent affliction that affects millions. Here’s what you should remember and how you can relieve the discomfort of suffering from constipation and hemorrhoids.
How Are Constipation And Hemorrhoids Related?
Constipation and hemorrhoids are closely connected. That’s because one happening can invite the other immediately. Each condition will also worsen the other as both happen simultaneously.
How Constipation Causes Hemorrhoids
Poor eating habits and lack of hydration are common causes of constipation. The result is that your poop becomes hardened. So it doesn’t pass through easily. Naturally, your bowel movements do not take place in the usual cycles.
When you actually go to the toilet, the hard stool makes you exert more pressure. As you strain and push yourself, more and more force gets directed toward your rectum. The tissue around the area will bulge or swell as a result. And this exertion leads to hemorrhoids ultimately.
How Hemorrhoids Affect Constipation
Hemorrhoids bring a variety of unpleasant symptoms. The swollen veins and tissue around the rectal area make you feel uncomfortable and irritable the entire time. They can also lead to bleeding, which causes additional problems.
With these symptoms, passing stool becomes a miserable ordeal. And your bowel movement becomes more irregular due to the restricted passage and involuntary constraints.
So, constipation and hemorrhoids often serve as two sides of a distressing coin. The cycle continues. And you’re plagued with even more discomfort and pain.
Can Constipation Increase The Risk of Developing Hemorrhoids?
Yes. Constipation or any irregularity in bowel movement may increase your chances of developing and experiencing hemorrhoids.
Your trips to the toilet become more erratic and irregular when you are constipated. That’s because your bowel movement is out of its normal cycle. Also, with stool developing a harder texture, every sitting on the loo becomes long and aggravating experience.
The added pressure and strain on your lower abdomen leads to swelling and inflammation of the tissues in and around the rectum.
So, you increase the risk of hemorrhoids developing because of this extra strain on the pelvic area.
If you already have hemorrhoids, constipation can make it worse. The pressure exerted while passing stool will push out the swollen tissues even more. It also prevents the area from healing or recovering unless you take remedial measures.
Fortunately for you, that’s what we’ll discuss next.
What To Do If You Are Constipated And Have Hemorrhoids?
Experiencing hemorrhoids is unpleasant enough. But dealing with constipation simultaneously is even worse.
However, there are some lifestyle changes, diet options, and remedies you can take up to ease both conditions.
Proper Hydration
Water will help your body stay hydrated and fit for bodily functions, including digestion. It can soften your stools, making them easier to pass and less distressing for your hemorrhoids. Try to wash down your throat with 8-10 glasses of healthy water daily.
Avoid Extended Time On The Toilet
Most of us have the habit of fiddling with our phones as we sit on the toilet to take care of business. If nothing else, there’s probably a magazine lying around on the bathroom shelves begging to be read.
There’s nothing wrong with these habits inherently. But they, sometimes, push us to continue sitting even though our body is done with its business. Be careful of how long you spend on the toilet because every minute may contribute to worsening the hemorrhoids.
Avoid Sitting For Too Long
It’s not just the long sessions on the toilet. Sitting anywhere for too long may extend your constipation or affect your hemorrhoids for the worse. Try to stand and take a walk or stretch your limbs if you’ve been sitting for long hours.
High-Fiber Diet
Ensure that your meals go in with a lot of healthy fiber. You can go crazy on green leaves, cruciferous veggies, lentils, and any type of fruit. These fiber-rich foods digest easily, reduce fat, and are simply good for your body in general.
Physical Activity
Sedentary lifestyles can prolong your constipation, which prevents your hemorrhoids from going away. Get adequate exercise.
Adequate physical exertion will keep your body functioning well and your digestive system on point.
Don’t Hold It In
Going number two when you have hemorrhoids is uncomfortable. But holding back your poop is even worse. Relieve yourself without excessive straining to prevent your bowel movement from becoming more irregular.
Should I Take A Laxative While I Have Hemorrhoids?
Laxatives can assist your body in regaining proper bowel movement if you have constipation. But they are not a direct treatment for hemorrhoids. This issue is one of the few areas where constipation and hemorrhoids aren’t directly connected.
If you do have constipation, the right laxative may help ease the symptoms. But excessive use of laxatives may infect or aggravate the tissues experiencing hemorrhoids. So, go through careful consultation with your doctor or medical professional first.
This advice rings true for other over-the-counter meds that help with hemorrhoids. Don’t dive into taking stool softeners simply because your neighbor’s wife says a specific brand works for her.
Any medication or treatment you take for hemorrhoids should come from your doctor’s prescription and suggestions.
Can Treating Constipation Help Alleviate Hemorrhoids Symptoms?
Yes. Treating your constipation will help ease the effects of hemorrhoids if you’re experiencing both conditions.
Constipation will continue making your hemorrhoids worse if not addressed. Worse yet, it can bring about hemorrhoids, too, if you don’t already have it.
So, early treatment is a good move toward kicking the hemorrhoids out of your life. Remember that home remedies can contribute greatly to easing the symptoms and assisting the healing process. And always seek medical intervention from your qualified doctor before you take over-the-counter treatments.
Closing Note
Constipation and hemorrhoids portray a close connection that’s dreadful to know but important to address. Remember that treating one condition involves alleviating the symptoms of the other when it comes to these two afflictions.
In addition to constipation, hemorrhoids may also result from a combination of other mental and physical conditions.
Learn about how stress can lead to hemorrhoids next.
