HEMORRHOIDS
Cause
Hemorrhoids are often caused by factors that increase pressure on the veins in the pelvic and rectal area. As pressure increases, blood pools in veins and causes them to swell. Eventually, the swollen veins stretch the surrounding tissue and hemorrhoids develop.
Personal bowel habits that can lead to the development of hemorrhoids include:
- Rushing to complete a bowel movement. Hurrying through a bowel movement can lead to excessive straining and increased pressure on veins in the rectal area.
- Persistent diarrhea or persistent constipation may cause straining, which increases pressure on the veins in the anal canal.
Conditions that can lead to the development of hemorrhoids include:
- Being overweight. Excess weight, especially in the abdominal and pelvic areas, may increase pressure on the veins in the pelvic area.
- Pregnancy and labor. Hormonal changes increase blood flow to the pelvic area and relax supportive tissues. In addition, the growing fetus causes increased pressure on the blood vessels in the pelvic area.
- Medical conditions. Long-term heart and liver disease may cause blood to pool in the abdomen and pelvic area, enlarging the veins.
- Tumors in the pelvic area. These occur very rarely.
