How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids Once and For All

Hemorrhoids are a common and annoying problem that affects millions of people around the world.

They are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum that can cause pain, itching, bleeding, and discomfort.

You may have heard of them as piles, but they are not something to be piled up with shame. In fact, hemorrhoids are not a disease, but a symptom of an underlying condition.

And the good news is, you can treat them effectively with simple home remedies and lifestyle changes.

But before we get into that, let’s understand what causes hemorrhoids and how to prevent them.

What Causes Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are usually caused by increased pressure in the lower rectum due to various factors, such as:

• Straining during bowel movements
• Sitting for long periods of time, especially on the toilet
• Having chronic diarrhea or constipation
• Being obese
• Being pregnant
• Having anal intercourse
• Eating a low-fiber diet
• Regularly lifting heavy items

As you can see, most of these factors are related to your diet and lifestyle.

That means you can reduce the risk of developing hemorrhoids by making some simple changes in your habits.

Here are some tips to help you prevent hemorrhoids:

• Eat more fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds. Fiber helps soften your stool and makes it easier to pass, reducing the need to strain and the pressure on your veins.
• Drink plenty of water and other fluids, such as juices, soups, and herbal teas. Water helps hydrate your body and your stool, preventing constipation and dehydration.
• Exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week. Exercise improves your blood circulation, strengthens your muscles, and relieves stress. It also helps you maintain a healthy weight and avoid obesity, which is a major risk factor for hemorrhoids.
• Avoid sitting or standing for too long, especially on the toilet. Take breaks every hour to move around and stretch your legs. When you are on the toilet, don’t read, play games, or use your phone. These activities can distract you and make you spend more time than necessary, increasing the pressure on your veins.
• Don’t hold back your urge to go to the bathroom. When you feel the need to have a bowel movement, don’t delay or ignore it. This can cause your stool to harden and your muscles to tighten, making it harder and more painful to pass later.
• Don’t use dry or rough toilet paper. This can irritate your skin and your hemorrhoids, causing more inflammation and bleeding. Instead, use moist wipes, baby wipes, or a bidet to clean yourself gently and thoroughly. You can also apply some aloe vera gel, witch hazel, or coconut oil to soothe and heal your hemorrhoids.
• Don’t use laxatives or enemas. These can cause diarrhea, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance, which can worsen your hemorrhoids. They can also make you dependent on them, making it harder for your body to regulate your bowel movements naturally.

How to Treat Hemorrhoids?

If you already have hemorrhoids, don’t worry.

There are many ways to treat them at home, without the need for surgery or medication.

Here are some of the most effective and natural remedies for hemorrhoids:

• Apply ice packs or cold compresses to your anus for 10 to 15 minutes, several times a day. This can reduce the swelling, pain, and inflammation of your hemorrhoids. You can also use frozen vegetables, such as peas or corn, wrapped in a cloth, as an alternative.
• Soak your anus in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes, two to three times a day. This can relax your muscles, improve your blood flow, and ease your discomfort. You can add some Epsom salt, baking soda, or apple cider vinegar to the water for extra benefits.
• Use over-the-counter creams, ointments, suppositories, or pads that contain ingredients such as hydrocortisone, lidocaine, witch hazel, or zinc oxide. These can help shrink your hemorrhoids, numb the pain, and stop the bleeding. However, don’t use them for more than a week, as they can cause side effects, such as skin thinning, irritation, or infection.
• Take oral painkillers, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin, to relieve your pain and inflammation. However, don’t take them for more than a few days, as they can cause side effects, such as stomach ulcers, liver damage, or bleeding problems. Also, avoid taking aspirin if you have bleeding hemorrhoids, as it can make them worse.
• Try some herbal remedies, such as horse chestnut, butcher’s broom, psyllium husk, or flaxseed. These can help strengthen your veins, reduce inflammation, and improve your bowel movements. However, consult your doctor before using them, as they can interact with other medications or cause allergic reactions.
• Consult your doctor if your hemorrhoids don’t improve after a week of home treatment, or if you have severe pain, bleeding, infection, or other complications. Your doctor may suggest other treatments, such as rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, infrared coagulation, or surgery, depending on the size, location, and type of your hemorrhoids.

Conclusion

Hemorrhoids are not a life-threatening condition, but they can be very annoying and uncomfortable.

However, you can prevent and treat them effectively with simple home remedies and lifestyle changes.

By following the tips and tricks we shared in this article, you can get rid of your hemorrhoids once and for all, and enjoy a pain-free and itch-free life.

FAQs

1. What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum that can cause discomfort, bleeding, and itching. The symptoms of hemorrhoids may vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some of the possible symptoms are:

• Bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet after passing a stool
• Itching or irritation in the anal area
• Pain or discomfort, especially when sitting or having a bowel movement
• Swelling or lumps around the anus
• A feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowel

If you have any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Hemorrhoids are not a serious condition, but they can affect your quality of life and lead to complications if left untreated.

2. How long does it take to heal from hemorrhoids?

The healing time for hemorrhoids depends on the type and severity of the condition.

Generally, small hemorrhoids may clear up without any treatment within a few days, while larger or more severe hemorrhoids may take longer to heal and require medical intervention.

Some factors that can affect the healing time are:

• The cause of the hemorrhoids, such as straining, constipation, pregnancy, obesity, etc.
• The type of the hemorrhoids, such as internal, external, or thrombosed
• The treatment of the hemorrhoids, such as home remedies, over-the-counter medications, or surgery
• The prevention of the hemorrhoids, such as eating more fiber, drinking more water, exercising regularly, or avoiding prolonged sitting or standing

According to some sources, the average healing time for hemorrhoids is about one week.

However, this may vary depending on the individual and the situation.

If your hemorrhoids do not improve after a week of home treatment, or if you have severe pain, bleeding, infection, or other complications, you should consult your doctor for further evaluation and treatment.

3. Can I exercise with hemorrhoids?

Yes, you can exercise with hemorrhoids, as long as you choose the right type of exercise and avoid activities that can worsen your condition.

Exercise can help prevent and treat hemorrhoids by improving your blood circulation, strengthening your pelvic floor muscles, and easing your bowel movements.

However, some exercises can increase the pressure on your veins, cause straining, or irritate your hemorrhoids, so you should avoid them.

Here are some dos and don’ts of exercising with hemorrhoids:

• Do: Pelvic floor contractions, deep breathing, yoga poses (such as child’s pose, legs up-the-wall pose, or wind-relieving pose), walking, swimming, or cycling.
• Don’t: Heavy lifting, high-impact exercises (such as running, jumping, or skipping), sit-ups, crunches, or squats.

You should also warm up before exercising, drink plenty of water, and stop if you feel any pain or discomfort.

If you have severe or bleeding hemorrhoids, you should consult your doctor before starting any exercise program.

References:

• Hemorrhoids – https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes/syc-20360268
• Hemorrhoids and what to do about them – https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/hemorrhoids_and_what_to_do_about_them
• Hemorrhoid – Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemorrhoid
• Do Hemorrhoids Go Away on Their Own? – https://www.verywellhealth.com/do-hemorrhoids-go-away-5221405
• Hemorrhoids: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment – https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-hemorrhoids-basics
• Haemorrhoids (piles) – https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract/haemorrhoids-piles