Can Hemorrhoids be Caused by Stress?

Can Stress Cause Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are a common condition that affects many Americans. While the exact cause of hemorrhoids is not always clear, stress can indirectly contribute to their development. Stress can affect your physical, emotional, and mental health, leading to negative feelings like embarrassment and shame. In this article, we explore the connection between stress and hemorrhoids and offer tips for managing both.

What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, occur when the veins in your anus or rectum become swollen and inflamed. There are four types of hemorrhoids: internal, external, prolapsed, and thrombosed. Symptoms of hemorrhoids can include pain, itching, and bleeding.

How Are Stress and Hemorrhoids Connected?

While stress does not directly cause hemorrhoids, it can upset your stomach and lead to constipation or diarrhea. Severe cases of constipation or diarrhea can contribute to the development of hemorrhoids. Additionally, stress can trigger an irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) flare-up in individuals prone to anxiety and stress.

What Are the Root Causes of Hemorrhoids?

The common causes of hemorrhoids include a low-fiber diet, chronic constipation or diarrhea, sitting on the toilet for extended periods, straining during bowel movements, lifting heavy objects, pregnancy, and weakening of the supporting tissues in your rectum/anus typical of aging.

How Can You Treat Hemorrhoids?

There are several ways to relieve the pain, inflammation, and swelling associated with hemorrhoids. These include eating high-fiber foods, using topical treatments like creams or pads containing a numbing agent/witch hazel, taking oral pain relievers, and soaking regularly in warm water. In severe cases, a doctor may recommend surgery.

How Can You Deal with Stress and Anxiety?

Managing stress is an important factor in preventing hemorrhoids. Effective ways to deal with stress and anxiety include an active lifestyle, meditation, laughter and comedy, social interactions, sufficient sleep, journaling, music therapy, and seeking professional help.

How Can You Prevent Hemorrhoids?

The best way to prevent hemorrhoids is by keeping your stool soft to allow easy passage. Effective tips for preventing hemorrhoids include eating high-fiber foods, drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding straining during bowel movements, considering fiber supplements, exercising sufficiently, going as soon as you feel the urge, and avoiding prolonged sitting periods.

When Should You Worry About Hemorrhoids?

It is time to talk to a doctor when you’ve experienced persistent pain, discomfort, or itching for an extended period. Some hemorrhoid symptoms may disappear on their own with time. However, some may take a while and can be treated by a doctor.