Hemorrhoids and Prolapse, What Are The Causes?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum. They’re often related to constipation, straining during bowel movements, or diarrhea. They may also develop from sitting on a toilet for too long without getting up to take a break.

Some symptoms include bright red blood on the toilet tissue after wiping, itchy bottom, mucus discharge with bowel movements, sharp pain in the anus area during bowel movements, and sometimes bleeding from hemorrhoid swelling or nodules that form around rectal vessels.

What are hemorrhoid symptoms?

There are several reasons why piles may occur in individuals of any age or gender, including aging, constipation, insufficient high fiber foods in one’s diet, obesity, and pregnancy. If the veins around one’s anus aren’t capable of withstanding pressures during bowel movements due to straining, piles can occur.

Hemorrhoids are also known as piles. They are the most common diseases that affect the lower part of our digestive system, called the rectum and anus (back passage). It is estimated that about half of us will suffer from piles at some point in our lives. They cause no symptoms for many sufferers, but some people experience pain or discomfort around their bottom area or bleeding after having a bowel movement. Both men and women get them, but it is more common in women than men because of childbirth, menstruation, and obesity.

What causes hemorrhoids?

The primary cause of piles is increased pressure on veins surrounding the anus. This can be caused by pregnancy, obesity, chronic constipation/diarrhea, hemorrhoids, or by lifting heavy objects. Another cause of piles is decreased blood flow to the veins in the rectal area. This can be caused by sitting for long periods on a toilet without getting up to take breaks.

The primary cause for hemorrhoidal disease or bleeding is straining during bowel movements. They are caused by increased pressure on veins surrounding the anus. This can be caused by pregnancy, obesity, chronic constipation/diarrhea, or by lifting heavy objects.

This situation often leads to symptoms which usually include bright red blood on the toilet tissue after wiping, itchy bottom, mucus discharge with bowel movements, piles that have protruded out of the anus, or sharp pain in the anus area during bowel movements.

Another cause is decreased blood flow to the veins in the rectal area. This can be caused by sitting for long periods on a toilet without getting up to take breaks.

What’s a prolapse?

A prolapse is when an organ falls from its normal position and sticks out through the opening of the anus. They are common in older women who have gone through menopause at least one year ago because of weakening pelvic floor muscles due to low estrogen levels.

It is usually caused by a pile that has left the anus and protruded out of it. It can also be caused by: straining during bowel movements, heavy lifting, long-term diarrhea, constipation, or pregnancy.

What are prolapse symptoms?

Common symptoms include mucus or liquid-like bowel movements, constipation, pain while sitting on the toilet, foul-smelling bowel movements, and piles protruding out of the anus. They are usually diagnosed by a physical exam with your health provider.

What causes prolapse?

The most common cause is piles that exit the anus and protrude out of it. They may also be caused by straining during bowel movements, pregnancy, or obesity.

Another cause is weakened pelvic floor muscles due to low estrogen levels after menopause. This can be caused by: long-term constipation and diarrhea, heavy lifting, and childbirth.

How do hemorrhoids and prolapse differ?

A hemorrhoid is above the anal sphincter, whereas a prolapse occurs below. Piles become enlarged with blood with increased pressure on vessels surrounding the anus area. They usually only last for a short period. A pile is located above the anus, where a prolapse occurs below it. They result from piles that have left the anus and protrude out of it.

What are hemorrhoid treatments?

The most common treatment is hemorrhoidectomy, which removes the tissue through an incision in the anal canal. This surgery can be done with a small camera inserted into the anus or traditional open surgery. Another possible surgery is a stapled hemorrhoidopexy or a stapled resection, which decreases swelling. Lifestyle changes that help them include avoiding constipation. Drinking lots of water is also helpful in preventing or from getting worse.

Overall, it depends on the severity of symptoms and what type of piles a person has. However, they are often manageable.

Ask your doctor about HemWell, an FDA-approved, pain-free treatment that’s permanent. If your provider doesn’t offer HemWell, we can assist you in finding one that does. Please visit our website to learn more about this life-changing treatment. Learn more about hemorrhoids.