It is not at all surprising when an individual wonders about what causes hemorrhoids; so few people enjoy thinking about or talking about this health topic. Rather than talking about the issue people rather deal with hemorrhoids on their own or speak only with a doctor about the embarrassing health issue. In truth, as of this date, there is no concrete explanation for why a person might develop hemorrhoids. There are, however, several theories which suggest potential causes for hemorrhoidal formations, and an individual may experience one or more of the cited causes at any given time.
Cited Sources for Hemorrhoid Formation
The chief cause for hemorrhoid formation is believed to be an increase in pressure on the veins within the anorectal area and the wall of the anus. Pressure forces veins to become stretched, to swell, and to inflame and a hemorrhoid forms as a result. The increased pressure in the anorectal area is, in turn, blamed on a number of potential causes including:
- Constipation: This condition is believed to be one of the chief causes for the onset as well as the worsening of hemorrhoids. Since constipation forces the individual to strain during his or her bowel movements, the strain puts additional pressure on the anorectal region.
- Diarrhea: This condition is also believed to cause and worsen hemorrhoidal conditions. The continuous use of the toilet and the need for excessive wiping can make hemorrhoids form and become incredibly painful.
- Dietary changes: If an individual lacks the necessary fiber in his or her diet to maintain regularity in terms of bowel movements, he or she might run the risk of developing hemorrhoid formations.
- Genetic predisposition: Some recent studies have revealed that hemorrhoid formation may run in families. If an individual has relatives that have experienced issues with hemorrhoids there is an increased potential that the individual will also have similar experiences in his or her lifetime.
- Lifting of heavy objects: It is believed that by straining the body to lift extremely heavy objects, an individual can put added pressure on the anorectal region: in turn, hemorrhoids might develop.
- Liver disease: One of the secondary symptoms associated with Liver disease is hemorrhoid formation. This is not always the case and Liver disease as a cited source for hemorrhoids is rare.
- Obesity: Overweight people often face issues with hemorrhoids. The additional weight can be burdensome on the body, increase pressure in the anorectal area and cause hemorrhoids to form.
- Pelvic tumors: If a pelvic tumor develops it can push on veins in the region and encourage hemorrhoid formation.
- Pregnancy/Labor: Pregnant women are often forced to manage issues with hemorrhoids. Both carrying the child during pregnancy as well as hours of labor can cause hemorrhoids to form.
- Prolonged Standing/Sitting: Some experts cite prolonged standing and/or sitting as a source for hemorrhoids. Both actions are believed to put undue pressure on the anorectal region which affects the veins in the wall of the anus and brings about the onset of hemorrhoids.
