Myths and Facts You Need to Know about Hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids are a common health problem that affects many people, yet few talk about them. Since many individuals never report their condition to a doctor, it is difficult to get exact numbers. However, a recent international online survey estimated that about 11% of people worldwide suffer from hemorrhoids.
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| Myths and Facts You Need to Know about Hemorrhoids |
Additionally, new research suggests that genetics may play a role in the development of hemorrhoids.
Unfortunately, the silence surrounding hemorrhoids has led to many myths and misconceptions about their causes, who gets them, and how to treat them. This article will separate fact from fiction and help you better understand this widespread condition.
What Are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus. They can be:
- Internal (inside the rectum)
- External (under the skin around the anus)
The most common symptoms include itching, discomfort, pain, and bleeding during bowel movements. In some cases, internal hemorrhoids can prolapse (bulge out through the anal opening).
Hemorrhoids are usually caused by excessive pressure on the veins in the anal area. This can happen due to:
✔ Straining during bowel movements
✔ Sitting too long on the toilet
✔ A low-fiber diet, leading to constipation
Other factors, like pregnancy and aging, can weaken the tissues that support the rectum and anus, increasing the risk of hemorrhoids.
Certain medications, including some antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs, and iron supplements, can also contribute to constipation and, as a result, increase the risk of hemorrhoids.
Common Myths About Hemorrhoids
There are many misconceptions about hemorrhoids, including who gets them, what causes them, and how they can be treated. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths:
1. Only Older People Get Hemorrhoids
One of the biggest myths is that only older people suffer from hemorrhoids.
While it’s true that hemorrhoids are more common in older adults (nearly 50% of people over 50 experience them at some point), they can affect people of all ages.
For example:
📌 12% to 41% of pregnant or postpartum women experience hemorrhoids.
📌 Chronic constipation, prolonged sitting on the toilet, straining, and heavy lifting can cause hemorrhoids at any age.
2. Hemorrhoids Never Go Away
Some people believe that hemorrhoids are permanent, but this is not true.
Many hemorrhoids heal on their own or with simple home treatments, such as:
- Eating more fiber to soften stools
- Taking warm sitz baths (sitting in warm water for a few minutes)
- Avoiding straining when using the toilet
- Staying physically active to prevent constipation
Over-the-counter treatments can also help relieve symptoms:
✔ Flavonoids (Diosmin) – Help reduce bleeding and itching.
✔ Topical creams (Nitroglycerin) – Reduce pain from thrombosed hemorrhoids (hemorrhoids with blood clots).
✔ Astringents (Witch Hazel) – Relieve mild hemorrhoid symptoms.
✔ Decongestants (Phenylephrine) – Shrink swollen blood vessels to reduce burning and swelling.
In severe cases, medical procedures like rubber band ligation or hemorrhoidectomy (surgical removal) may be needed. However, most hemorrhoids can be treated without surgery!
3. Spicy Foods Cause Hemorrhoids
Spicy foods are often blamed for hemorrhoids, but there is little scientific evidence to support this.
In fact, a 2006 study found that people who ate chili did not experience a significant increase in hemorrhoid symptoms (such as bleeding, swelling, pain, itching, or burning) compared to those who took a placebo.
However, if you are unsure whether spicy food affects your hemorrhoids, try:
✔ Starting with small amounts (such as a pinch of cayenne or chili powder in your food).
✔ Monitoring your symptoms – if spicy foods cause discomfort, avoid them until your hemorrhoids heal.
✔ If you notice no worsening symptoms, you can continue eating spicy foods without worry.
Conclusion
There are many myths about hemorrhoids, but the truth is they can affect anyone, and they are treatable.
By adopting healthy habits, such as eating more fiber, avoiding long periods on the toilet, and staying active, you can prevent and manage hemorrhoids effectively. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor for proper treatment options.
💡 Remember: You don’t have to suffer in silence—hemorrhoids are a common condition, and there are many ways to treat them!
Medical Sources & References
📌 Mayo Clinic – Hemorrhoids: Symptoms and Causes
📌 Cleveland Clinic – Hemorrhoids: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
📌 NIDDK (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) – Hemorrhoids
📌 Harvard Health Publishing – Hemorrhoids and What to Do About Them
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