Every day routines like how long you sit, what you eat, and even how you manage your time in the bathroom can quietly increase your risk of developing hemorrhoids. These swollen veins in the rectum or anus may not always be serious, but the discomfort they bring can disrupt your daily comfort and peace of mind.
At Prima CARE, we help patients across Fall River, MA, understand the everyday risk factors behind hemorrhoids and how to prevent them. Our board-certified gastroenterologists and colon and rectal surgeons offer clear answers, tailored treatment, and long-term relief through compassionate, expert care. If you're experiencing rectal discomfort or want to learn how to reduce your risk, our team is here to help—schedule your visit today.
Let’s explore some of the most common lifestyle habits that could be contributing to your hemorrhoid symptoms—and what you can do to change them.
How Diet and Hydration Affect Hemorrhoids
One of the most common causes of hemorrhoids is chronic constipation, often due to a diet low in fiber. When you don't consume enough fiber, your stools become harder, resulting in straining during bowel movements. This increased pressure can cause internal hemorrhoids or external hemorrhoids by swelling the rectal veins. Women often ask about specific causes of piles in females; poor diet, pregnancy, and hormonal changes frequently contribute.
To prevent hemorrhoids, aim to eat high fiber foods like vegetables and whole grains daily. A high fiber diet softens stool, helps prevent constipation, and reduces the risk of developing enlarged veins. You may also consider fiber supplements if dietary fiber intake remains insufficient.
Hydration also plays a key role. Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water, throughout the day to keep stools soft and promote regular bowel movements. Good hydration helps maintain healthy digestion and prevents the formation of hard stools that can damage the anal canal, causing anal fissures or hemorrhoids.
The Role of Prolonged Sitting and Straining
Prolonged sitting, especially sitting on the toilet for long periods, can significantly increase your risk for hemorrhoids. Many people mistakenly believe sitting longer aids bowel movements, but extended time on the toilet bowl can actually increase pressure on the veins in the anus and lower rectum. This excessive pressure slows blood flow, causing veins to swell.
If you're wondering, 'Can sitting cause hemorrhoids to bleed?'—the answer is yes. Continuous pressure from sitting can aggravate existing hemorrhoids, leading to rectal bleeding and painful symptoms.
Another common habit that contributes to hemorrhoids is straining during bowel movements. Straining places unnecessary pressure on the rectal veins, further contributing to swollen veins, prolapsed hemorrhoids, or even thrombosed hemorrhoids. Regularly lifting heavy objects can also increase abdominal pressure, which contributes to hemorrhoid development.
Preventive Measures to Reduce Risk
Thankfully, preventing hemorrhoids is manageable with a few simple lifestyle adjustments:
- Eat a High Fiber Diet: Incorporate vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains into your daily meals to keep stools soft and regular.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, which helps prevent constipation.
- Limit Toilet Time: Avoid sitting on the toilet for prolonged periods. If you're unable to have a bowel movement after a few minutes, try again later.
- Exercise Regularly: Physical activity promotes regular bowel movements, maintains a healthy weight, and reduces pressure on your rectal veins.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Use soft, hypoallergenic toilet tissue or wipes containing witch hazel, which can reduce anal itching and irritation associated with hemorrhoids.
Simple Lifestyle Changes for Better Bowel Health
Here are additional steps you can implement immediately to support your digestive health and avoid hemorrhoids:
- Avoid Straining: If bowel movements are difficult, consider stool softeners or fiber supplements recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Take Sitz Baths: Warm sitz baths (soaking the anal area in warm water) can reduce swelling, ease pain, and soothe symptomatic hemorrhoids.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight increases pressure on rectal veins, raising your risk of hemorrhoids. Losing even a modest amount of weight can significantly decrease your risk factors.
- Prompt Treatment of Digestive Issues: Chronic diarrhea or constipation may indicate digestive and kidney diseases that require medical intervention. Treating underlying issues early can prevent hemorrhoids and other serious complications.
When to Consult a Doctor for Treatment
While minor hemorrhoid symptoms often improve with at-home treatments, certain signs indicate that you need to consult a healthcare provider:
- Persistent or severe pain in the anus or lower rectum
- Rectal bleeding that continues for several days
- Prolapsed internal hemorrhoids (hemorrhoids that protrude from the anus)
- Hard lumps or extreme pain around the anus, potentially signaling thrombosed hemorrhoids
- Significant anal itching or irritation not relieved by over-the-counter treatments
At Prima CARE, our board-certified colon and rectal surgeons and gastroenterologists perform gentle physical exams and digital rectal exams to diagnose hemorrhoids accurately. We offer minimally invasive, office-based treatments such as rubber band ligation to effectively treat hemorrhoids without the need for surgery.
Take Control of Your Hemorrhoid Risk with Prima CARE
Small, everyday habits can have a big impact on your risk of developing hemorrhoids, but simple lifestyle changes make prevention achievable. Prima CARE is here to help you identify risk factors, manage your symptoms, and achieve lasting relief through compassionate and personalized care.
If you need professional guidance on hemorrhoids or digestive health, schedule an appointment today with Prima CARE in Fall River, Massachusetts. Dr. Sidney Olefsonand our team look forward to supporting your journey to improved bowel health and comfort.
