Recurrence of Hemorrhoids: How to Manage Your Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are a problem that affects millions of people worldwide. And yet, despite undergoing treatment, a lot of people experience the recurrence of hemorrhoids. Why exactly does this happen, and what can people do in order to ensure that their hemorrhoids don’t come back?

What Causes Recurrence of Hemorrhoids?

Despite hemorrhoids being treatable, and usually going away after a while, it’s fairly common for them to come back. This happens because of two reasons:

Constipation

Constipation, or passing hard stools, is one of the main causes of hemorrhoids. A constipated person must strain or exert extra effort when passing stool. Because of this, there is additional pressure on the veins of the rectum, which leads to hemorrhoids.

If the hemorrhoids go away after some time, but the person is still constipated, then there’s a high chance of the hemorrhoids coming back.

Straining when passing stool

Some people, even if they’re not constipated, have a habit of straining when passing stool. This might seem like a harmless thing to do. But in reality, it can increase the risk of developing hemorrhoids, as well as recurring hemorrhoids.

Sitting on the toilet for extended periods of time

These days, it’s not uncommon for people to sit for a long time on the toilet, especially if they’re on their smartphones. In some cases, it helps pass the time, and some people just like having something to look at when they’re on the toilet.

However, if you’re sitting for longer than you should be, even if you don’t have to go, then you might increase your risk of recurring hemorrhoids.

This is because the position when on the toilet also exerts additional pressure on the rectum. So even if you’re not straining when you pass stool, but you’re sitting for more than a few minutes on the toilet, this can cause the recurrence of hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids: All You Need to Know About This Condition

What Can You Do About It?

In order to prevent the recurrence of hemorrhoids, here are some things to remember:

Eat a fiber-rich diet

Be sure to have enough fiber in your diet. Fiber helps you pass stools easily, and can help prevent constipation. Focus on eating foods such as oats, grains, fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables, and try to lower your intake of meat and processed foods.

Exercise everyday

Exercise can help relieve constipation as physical activity helps to stimulate bowel movement. Coupled with a high fiber diet, you should have no problems with constipation, and consequently, hemorrhoids.

Be sure to exercise for at least 30 minutes each day to get the full benefit for your health.

Use a squat toilet

Squat toilets might seem uncomfortable at first, but these toilets can actually help you pass stool faster and without straining. This is because the body is prompted into a squatting position that helps ensure a smooth flow when you’re passing stool.

If you’re not yet ready to exchange your regular sitting toilet for a squat toilet, you can buy different platforms that allow you to squat on a sitting toilet. These can be pretty useful and are relatively inexpensive.

Get surgery

Lastly, you can opt to have surgery in order to remove your hemorrhoids. In particular, a hemorrhoidectomy has a very low risk of recurrence, so it might be a good idea compared to alternative such as rubber band ligation.

As always, it would be best to talk to your doctor about it since they can help you figure out what’s best for your situation.

Learn more about Hemorrhoids here.