Why Do I Keep Getting Hemorrhoids?

No one likes to talk about hemorrhoids, but if you don’t bring it up with your doctor, those painful, itchy, burning, embarrassing bulges on your bottom may revisit you over and over.

Dr. Darrien Gaston at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Consultants in Chicago, Illinois, specializes in diagnosing, treating, and banishing hemorrhoids. Here’s what he wants you to know about this common vascular problem. 

Hemorrhoids 101

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in your lower rectum or anus, similar to varicose veins. 

Internal hemorrhoids develop inside your rectum, while external hemorrhoids form under the skin around your anus. 

Hemorrhoid symptoms vary but typically include itching, discomfort, pain, swelling, and bleeding during bowel movements. You might also notice a lump or cluster of lumps near your anus, which could be a thrombosed hemorrhoid — a clot inside the hemorrhoid. 

Internal hemorrhoids are generally painless but can cause bleeding. External hemorrhoids can be painful, especially when thrombosed. 

Hemorrhoids — why me?

Lots of people get hemorrhoids for lots of different reasons, but the top culprits are:

Straining during bowel movements

Constipation and diarrhea can both make you strain during bowel movements. The increased pressure on your veins leads to swelling and hemorrhoids.

Prolonged sitting

Sitting for long periods, especially on the toilet, can lead to hemorrhoids because the lack of movement causes blood to pool in your veins, increasing pressure and swelling.

Pregnancy and childbirth

Pregnancy and hemorrhoids often go hand in hand, thanks to the pressure exerted by the growing uterus. Labor and childbirth also exacerbate both internal and external hemorrhoids.

Why hemorrhoids recur

Eventually, minor hemorrhoids subside, but that doesn’t mean they’re gone for good. If they keep coming back, one of the following may be behind it. 

You’re still straining

If you continue to strain during bowel movements, hemorrhoids will likely recur. Continuous and repeated pressure on the veins makes it difficult for them to heal correctly, leading to repeated episodes.

Your diet lacks fiber

A low-fiber diet contributes to constipation, making bowel movements more difficult. Change your diet, soften your stool, and stop the straining. 

You didn’t treat your hemorrhoids right

Sometimes, initial treatments aren’t sufficient to resolve the issue completely. If you don’t treat hemorrhoids properly, they can return. That’s why it’s important to seek appropriate medical intervention from a specialist like Dr. Gaston to address the underlying problem effectively.

How to treat hemorrhoids

Most minor hemorrhoids resolve with over-the-counter creams, ointments, and suppositories. However, while they provide temporary relief, they don’t always address the root cause of recurring hemorrhoids.

A few simple lifestyle changes can also reduce hemorrhoid recurrence. We mentioned increasing your fiber intake, but staying hydrated and exercising regularly can also help prevent constipation and reduce straining.

The CRH O’Regan System®

Dr. Gaston also offers a nonsurgical approach known as the CRH O’Regan System, which cuts off the blood supply to your hemorrhoids. Within a few days, they shrink and fall off. It’s safer and more effective than traditional hemorrhoid banding and boasts more than a 99% success rate. 

When to see us about your hemorrhoids

Not all hemorrhoids need a doctor, but here are some signs that you can use some professional help:

Your hemorrhoids won’t go away

If your symptoms persist despite home treatments, it’s time to see Dr. Gaston. Persistent pain, bleeding, or discomfort requires medical evaluation to rule out other conditions and receive appropriate treatment.

Your hemorrhoids are severely painful

Severe pain, especially when accompanied by swelling and a hard lump near the anus, might indicate a thrombosed hemorrhoid, which calls for prompt medical attention.

Your hemorrhoids keep coming back

If you seem to get hemorrhoids all the time, call us. Recurring hemorrhoids indicate an underlying issue that you need to address.

Don’t live with recurring hemorrhoids — call Metropolitan Gastroenterology Consultants to schedule an appointment to ditch them for good.