Anyone who has had even a minor case of hemorrhoids has probably experienced some form of discomfort or inconvenience relating to their bowel movement at some point.
Also, this condition may be much more common than you think, as it is estimated that nearly 75% of adults will develop hemorrhoids at some point in their life.
Unfortunately, that is one of the most common side effects of having hemorrhoids, and it can be extremely frustrating when it happens.
In this article, we’ll discuss what causes constipation and how you can combat it if you struggle.
Do Hemorrhoids Cause Constipation?
Simply put, yes, hemorrhoids can cause constipation.
Constipation, rectal pain, and bleeding are hemorrhoids’ most common side effects.
The Top Doctor in UAE has to say it’s because hemorrhoids can cause your body to hold on to stool too tight, making it difficult to pass.
Constipation and hemorrhoids are closely related, and they often occur together.
However, symptoms of constipation are often subtle and don’t cause as much discomfort as hemorrhoids do.
Constipation is very common, and it can happen to almost anyone at some point. If you are experiencing constipation, don’t worry!
It is a common side effect of hemorrhoids and can be treated at home. There are a few things that you can do to help relieve your constipation.
Try drinking more water, eating more fiber-rich foods, exercising regularly, and resting well. It may also help drink some natural herbal laxatives, like senna.
You can find these over-the-counter herbal laxatives in most grocery stores.
What is Constipation?
According to the American Cancer Society, constipation is the condition of having a lower-than-average amount of bowel movements per day. If you aren’t passing stool, you may feel tired and tired, and you may also feel bloated.
Constipation can cause your stool to become difficult to pass.
This can be very uncomfortable, but it is not a serious medical condition if it does not persist for more than a week. In that case, it becomes chronic constipation.
However, most cases of constipation are acute and can often be treated at home.
Chronic Constipation
Chronic constipation happens when we go for weeks without having a bowel movement. This condition may seem harmless at first, but if left untreated can lead to more severe complications.
Doing nothing also makes already present constipation worse.
Chronic constipation has many possible causes, including diet, medication, and stress. One of the best ways to treat constipation is to eat foods that help stimulate digestion.
What is a Hemorrhoid?
A hemorrhoid is the presence of swelling or swollen veins in the anal or rectal area.
The condition is often referred to as a “hemorrhoid.” Hemorrhoids come in many different sizes and shapes and are sometimes extremely painful. This is often due to strangulated hemorrhoids.
They can be firm and swollen, or they can be softer and almost look like a mole. Hemorrhoids can be painful both when you have them and when you try to treat them. They are somewhat similar to varicose veins.
But there are times when a clot can form in a hemorrhoid, making it into a thrombosed and symptomatic hemorrhoid.
Sometimes they can cause blood to come out when you have a bowel movement, which can be very embarrassing.
Many people use the condition to avoid going to the doctor.
When you have hemorrhoids, you may feel like something is blocking your anus every time you have a bowel movement.
A lack of healthy bacteria in your body can cause hemorrhoids. Your body produces toxins that can cause swelling.
However, many other factors can lead to hemorrhoid development. You may avoid hemorrhoids by eating more fiber and drinking more water.
Types of Hemorrhoids
There are two types of hemorrhoids internal and external hemorrhoids.
Internal hemorrhoid occurs inside the anus and is not visible externally, while external hemorrhoids form and protrude outside the anus and can be seen with the naked eye.
Both types of hemorrhoids have similar symptoms, including pain, itching, rectal bleeding, swelling, and discomfort. However, internal hemorrhoids tend to cause less severe symptoms than external ones.
Internal Hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids are caused by inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the lower rectum and sigmoid colon.
These inflamed blood vessels may become enlarged and engorge with blood.
Internal hemorrhoids are often associated with constipation, straining while defecating, pregnancy, childbirth, chronic diarrhea, and certain medications (such as anticoagulants).
External Hemorrhoids
External hemorrhoids are caused by enlargement of the submucosal venules.
These veins are located just beneath the skin’s surface and connect to the larger veins in the lower extremities.
When these veins swell, they push outward and bulge out of the anus. External hemorrhoids are often associated with rectal prolapse, anal fissures, and thrombosis.
Causes of Hemorrhoids
The causes of hemorrhoids are not well understood. However, certain factors have been identified as contributing to their occurrence.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has outlined some of these factors to include:
- Constipation
- Chronic diarrhea
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Anemia
- Stress
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
When Does Constipation Require Medical Intervention?
It is important that you see your doctor for a rectal exam if you have been suffering from constipation for more than two weeks.
Constipation can cause serious medical problems, including:
Anemia
A prolonged period of constipation can cause anemia by preventing adequate blood flow. This happens when the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to carry enough oxygen to all body parts.
You may feel dizzy, tired, and weak if you develop anemia. Anemia is a serious medical condition; you should see your doctor immediately.
Also, hemorrhoid symptoms include bleeding; if there is significant blood loss, this could cause anemia and other symptoms.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are small crystals that can form in your kidneys. Kidney stones can cause severe pain in your kidneys, abdomen, and back.
Kidney stones can develop when your body cannot pass waste out of your body. If you have been suffering from constipation for a long time, you may have blocked your anus with stool.
This can make the condition even more severe and cause kidney stones, and it is important to see your doctor if you have been constipated for a long time.
How Are Hemorrhoids Treated?
Some hemorrhoids never cause any discomfort; however, some do.
These are called symptomatic hemorrhoids, and they need medical attention.
Hemorrhoid treatment options include topical ointments, bandages, creams, laser treatments, injections, and surgery. There are many ways of properly treating hemorrhoids, but what works best for each individual may differ.
Here are the most common ways to treat hemorrhoids:
1) Topical Ointments
These types of hemorrhoid treatments work well for external hemorrhoids.
Topicals can help relieve discomfort and itching by numbing the area around the anus.
These products may also reduce inflammation and speed healing time. However, they often have unpleasant side effects, such as burning, stinging, and skin irritation.
2) Bandaging
This type of hemorrhoid treatment is effective for internal hemorrhoids only.
Bandages pressure the affected area and promote blood flow back to the rectal veins.
They can be uncomfortable and cause bleeding if the bandage breaks during bowel movements. If hemorrhoids become severe enough, doctors may recommend surgical removal.
3) Creams
The creamier the product, the higher the percentage of active ingredients. Creams are commonly applied directly to hemorrhoids and massaged into the surrounding skin.
Creams are frequently recommended for external hemorrhoids, especially those on the lower body.
4) Laser Treatment
Doctors often use lasers to remove hemorrhoids. Lasers emit high-intensity beams of light that destroy cells without damaging surrounding tissue.
A doctor applies the laser beam to the hemorrhoidal tissue and removes it using a special tool. Laser therapy works great for external hemorrhoids but not for internal ones.
5) Injections
Injected medications can be given to shrink enlarged blood vessels. Injections are usually done under local anesthesia and are helpful for both internal and external hemorrhoids.
Doctors inject steroids or chemicals that constrict the blood vessel walls.
6) Surgery
Some people need surgery to get rid of their hemorrhoids. Surgery involves cutting out the swollen tissue or removing the entire section of the hemorrhoid.
When this happens, the anal opening heals normally, although scarring may remain. Surgery is generally reserved for internal hemorrhoids that cannot be treated any other way.
7) Rubber band ligation
This method also blocks blood flow to the hemorrhoidal tissue, which eventually causes the hemorrhoid to wither and “die.”
Final Thoughts
Constipation is a very common side effect of hemorrhoids.
f you have had them, you may also notice difficulty passing stool.
There are a few things that you can do to help relieve and prevent constipation and also prevent hemorrhoids.
Try drinking more water, eating high-fiber foods, exercising regularly, and resting well. It may also help to take herbal laxatives, like sennas, if you feel that you need a bit of extra help.