8 Myths you’ve been told about Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can be a serious health issue that can be embarrassing for anyone. Hemorrhoids are inflamed or swallowed veins near your anus and rectum region. The swollen veins can cause different problems, including bleeding and pain while passing stool, swelling around your anus region, itching in your anus, etc.

But, hemorrhoids are not as complicated as you imagine them to be. It is because of some myths associated with this health condition. So, let's check out the top eight myths related to hemorrhoids and the truth behind them −

Surgery is a Must to cure Hemorrhoids

One of the most common myths associated with hemorrhoids is that it's only curable with surgery, which is not true at all. Different medications can successfully cure this issue. Not everyone requires surgery, and it is the last resort. It can be cured with topical steroid creams or dietary changes.

Spicy Food is the Reason Behind Hemorrhoids

You may have often heard that the spicy food that you eat often is the reason behind your hemorrhoids. A 2014 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine also busted that myth. As per the research, people with hemorrhoids did not suffer from worsened conditions after consuming hot chili peppers. Hence, the spice is not the culprit here.

If you have fiber in your food or consume food without fiber content, you will have an increased chance of getting hemorrhoids. It happens because the fiber content in foods helps to ease bowel movement. If you do not consume enough fiber, your bowel movement will strain your anal region, resulting in inflamed veins. Hence, avoid eating foods like chips, fast food, ice cream, frozen snacks, microwavable foods, and processed foods on a regular basis.

Only Older People Suffer From Hemorrhoids

The myth related to age is totally incorrect. Even younger people in their forties can also get hemorrhoids. The veins in your anus region get inflamed because of constipation. You will get hemorrhoids if the anus gets strained from excessive pressure due to diarrhea or constipation or during pregnancy.

Most people get hemorrhoids during the age group of 45 to 65. Some people even get it during their late thirties as well. Older people generally have a higher risk of developing hemorrhoids because, with age, the muscle and supporting tissues of your anal and rectal region become weaker. But, that does not mean this is an age-related disease.

Changing Your diet Cannot cure Your Hemorrhoids

Many people will tell you that your hemorrhoid will not be cured even after you change your diet. But the truth is quite the opposite. Most doctors recommend changing the diet first for people suffering from hemorrhoids.

Veins in your anal and rectum are getting swollen due to constipation. If there is not enough fiber and water in your food, the bowel movement will strain your anal region, causing the veins to develop inflammation.

If you have hemorrhoids, changing your diet often helps faster recovery. You need to drink more water and consume fiber-rich food like fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. As per most doctors, adding 20 to 35 grams of dietary fiber to your daily diet can offer positive results. If you do not consume fiber through food, your doctors may recommend supplements containing dietary fiber to bridge the gap.

If you have hemorrhoids, do not exercise!

Many people will tell you to stop exercising if you have hemorrhoids. The myth is that exercising puts stains on your anal and rectum region, which is entirely false.

In reality, exercising helps to cut down the chances of constipation and also prevents weight gain. Overweight people often have higher chances of developing hemorrhoids as their extra weight strains their anal and return region.

Those who develop hemorrhoids even after exercising probably use poor exercising techniques, including irregular or wrong breath movement or poor posture.

Don't Frequently sit or on cold Surfaces if you have Hemorrhoids

Seating on cold surfaces or even seating for a more extended period does not have a direct link to hemorrhoids. Doctors often recommend cold compress to get relief from hemorrhoids. The cold compress reduces swelling and inflammation in your anus region. If you have hemorrhoids, apply an ice compress to your anus region for ten to fifteen minutes.

But, you should not sit on the toilet seat for hours. Since you sit in a semi-squatting position in the toilet, the pressure in your rectum and anal region increases. Hence, you may get mild hemorrhoids if you sit in this position for a long time. Hence, make sure to avoid reading papers or checking your phone while you are inside the toilet.

Hemorrhoids Lead to Cancer

Scientists have not found any direct link between hemorrhoids and anal cancer. Often bleeding during bowel movements indicates cancer in your anal or colon regions. But that does not mean you will have cancer if you have hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids and cancer are quite different. So you do not need to worry. But, if your family has a history of collateral cancer, you may need to be a little more cautious. Often hemorrhoid and digestive tract cancer tend to have similar symptoms.

It is Painful

Hemorrhoids are not painful in every case. There are two types of hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids happen when the veins above your anus get swollen. On the other hand, external hemorrhoids happen if the external veins develop inflammation.

People suffering from internal hemorrhoids will not feel pain. Instead, they will mostly suffer from bloody stool. On the contrary, external hemorrhoids cause pain and itching.

Conclusion

Hemorrhoids happen when the veins in your anal region develop inflammation due to excessive pressure on that region. It is durable and can be cured with proper medication and lifestyle changes. Most myths associated with hemorrhoids are not true, and you should always consult with the doctor instead of believing in myths.