Hemorrhoids are common yet not often discussed. An estimated 1 in 20 Americans has symptomatic hemorrhoids, and this condition can affect people of all ages and genders. However, women may encounter more factors that can increase their susceptibility to hemorrhoids. Keep reading to learn more about the specifics of hemorrhoids in women, including the symptoms and causes of female hemorrhoids.
What Are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhods, also known as piles, are swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum and anus. They can cause pain, bleeding, swelling, itching, and other unpleasant symptoms. Hemorrhoids can affect anyone, but women may experience certain factors that can heighten their risk of developing them. Symptoms of hemorrhoids can often be improved with at-home treatments, but sometimes medical procedures are necessary.
Types of Hemorrhoids
There are three types of hemorrhoids, and they are characterized by where the swollen vein develops. External hemorrhoids form underneath the skin around your anus. These can be itchy and painful, and they may occasionally bleed. Internal hemorrhoids form inside your rectum and may bleed but are not usually painful. External and internal hemorrhoids can both prolapse. A prolapsed hemorrhoid is one that stretches and bulges outside of your anus. This type may cause pain and bleeding.
Symptoms of Female Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can cause irritation and other unpleasant symptoms. The most common symptoms of female hemorrhoids include:
- Discomfort - The swelling and inflammation of veins in your rectum and anus can cause pain, itching, and a general feeling of discomfort around your anus.
- Rectal bleeding - You may see bright red blood on toilet paper when you wipe or in your stool. This is generally a sign of hemorrhoids.
- Lumps or protrusions - If you have external hemorrhoids, you may notice visible lumps or protrusions around your anus.
Causes of Female Hemorrhoids
Though hemorrhoids can affect anyone, women may experience certain factors that can increase their chances of developing them. Some of the most common causes of female hemorrhoids are pregnancy and childbirth. During pregnancy and childbirth, there is increased pressure and strain on your pelvic region. This can cause hemorrhoids to develop.
Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation and pregnancy can also make you more susceptible to female hemorrhoids. These changes in hormone levels can affect the integrity of blood vessels, making those in your anus and rectum more prone to swelling and forming hemorrhoids.
Constipation is another common cause. This can cause straining during bowel movements, which puts extra pressure on the veins around the rectum and anus, resulting in hemorrhoid formation.
Finally, if you live an inactive lifestyle, you may be more at risk. Sitting too much can obstruct blood flow and make it harder for blood to properly flow through the veins around the rectum and anus.
Preventive Measures
If you are susceptible to female hemorrhoids, there are some preventive measures you can take to reduce your chances of developing them. Incorporate a variety of fiber-rich foods in your diet to soften stools and promote regularity. This will reduce the need to strain during bowel movements. Staying hydrated is also helpful in preventing constipation and making it easier to go without straining. For women, kegel exercises can be a helpful preventive measure. Strengthening your pelvic muscles can provide extra support to rectal veins and reduce your risk of hemorrhoids.
Treating Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are not usually dangerous and do not often require medical intervention. You can typically treat them with over-the-counter medications and home remedies. If you want to relieve uncomfortable hemorrhoid symptoms, check out these best ways to treat hemorrhoids at home. If your symptoms are causing you a lot of discomfort, you may also benefit from topical creams to reduce pain and inflammation. As a compounding pharmacy, we can create colorectal compound creams to relieve the discomfort of hemorrhoids. Reach out to us at Midtown Express Pharmacy today to learn more.
