A hemorrhoid is a swelling of the hemorrhoidal vein located within, or just outside, the rectum. These hemorrhoidal veins act as cushions during bowel movements and are not strong enough to withstand continuous force placed upon them due to a wide range of activities.

Major Causes of Hemorrhoids

1. Straining and Pressure

The major leading cause of hemorrhoids is strain upon the hemorrhoidal vein. This strain will cause increased blood flow into the vein and cause it to swell and bulge. Sometimes this swelling can be prolapsed out of the anus causing an external hemorrhoid.

Hard bowel movements are the biggest cause of strain put on the veins. When you have to strain too hard during your bowel movements you can push the hemorrhoidal vein to a point where it either prolepses or swells.

2. Pregnancy

Unfortunately, with all the other stresses of pregnancy, pregnant women are much more susceptible to hemorrhoids than the general public. This is greatly increases after the second tri-meter.

3. Constant Sitting

When you are constantly sitting you are putting pressure upon the anal cavity and veins. Add to that you are also sweating. The combination of both of these factors leads to hemorrhoids and irritation because of the swelling and moisture from sweat.

4. Obesity

Overweight people have an increased chance of having hemorrhoids. This is, again, because of the pressure exerted upon the anal veins during bowel movements, and sitting. As stated above, these veins are not especially strong and are easily irritated and/or strained.

5. Age

As your age increases so does the chances of having hemorrhoids. As a person ages, the hemorrhoidal veins become weaker and begin to slide further and further down the anal cavity. They are easily strained during bowel movements.

Lesser Known Minor Causes of Hemorrhoids

Along with the major causes of hemorrhoids, caused mostly by straining and pressure, there are also some lesser known causes. While being lesser known, it does not mean that you shouldn’t be careful and keep a close watch for the development of hemorrhoids.

These risk factors are:
Diarrhea
Sitting on the toilet for prolonged times
Heavy lifting
Severe coughing bouts
Heredity
Not having an erect posture while sitting
Spinal cord injuries
Anal intercourse
Surgery in the anal cavity

Hemorrhoids are not a major medical condition, but should be treated as soon as possible. In most cases, hemorrhoids will go away once the factor that caused them is taken away and you are careful not to continue irritating them.

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