Determining the Causes of Hemorrhoids

The term hemorrhoid is considered a misnomer in that it is actually part of the normal anatomy of human beings but is usually used to pertain to a pathological condition, wherein either the veins or artery of the anorectal area develop into varicosities. There are actually three hemorrhoids or cushions in the anal canal which contribute to anal pressure, maintaining continence, and serve a protective function during the passing of stools. However, in line with the common usage, hemorrhoids will be referred to from this point onward as the abnormal condition. The causes of hemorrhoids can be attributed to a variety of lifestyle and genetic factors.

The following will detail the top three causes of hemorrhoids and how they contribute to the development of the abnormality:

1) Chronic constipation or diarrhea. Any abnormality in the bowel movement can serve as a predisposing factor to the development of hemorrhoids. Constipation is the irregular bowel movement of hard to pass stools while diarrhea is defined as three or more bowel movement of loose and watery stools in a day. Chronic constipation can lead to the development of hemorrhoids because of the increased intra-abdominal pressure from straining which causes a subsequent increase in the pressure of the veins leading to varicosities. Diarrhea, on the other hand, can be one of the less common causes of hemorrhoids. It leads to the development of the condition because of the constant irritation of the anorectal area, which causes inflammation.

2) Obesity. This is defined as the condition of being twenty percent overweight. Obesity causes the development of hemorrhoids because of the increased pressure in the veins of the anorectal area. The excess weight bears down on the veins, especially in dependent parts (areas of the body affected by the pull of gravity), causing distention.

3) Pregnancy. Development of hemorrhoids can occur during the peripartum period or during the delivery of the baby. This is considered as one of the common causes of hemorrhoids in women. During the peripartum period, the increase in circulating fluid or the enlarging uterus can cause pressure in the veins below it. During the delivery period, the prolonged straining can lead to the development of hemorrhoids.