How do you get hemorrhoids?

Researchers don't all agree on how you get hemorrhoid problems or hemorrhoid discomfort. However, most doctors agree that, in general, you get hemorrhoids from increased anal pressure. This anal pressure that can cause you to get hemorrhoids is commonly believed to be caused by one of the following factors:

• obesity

• pregnancy

• straining on the toilet

• sitting for long periods of time

• lifting heavy objects

Abdominal pressure from any of the risk factors listed above can cause arteries that feed blood into the anusol hemorrhoids to malfunction. Abdominal pressure causes these arteries to enlarge, unbalancing the blood flow into or out of your hemorrhoidal cushions, which is how you get hemorrhoids.

Dr. Marc Brand from Rush University describes a problem hemorrhoid like a water hose filling a balloon. If the water flows fast and keeps flowing, the balloon will enlarge and eventually weaken and burst. Thus, increased anal pressure from a variety of sources can cause you to get hemorrhoids.

Researchers are investigating the underlying reasons you get hemorrhoids, which may be more complex. There may be a hereditary aspect to how you get hemorrhoids, or a diet that lacks the proper amount of fiber can lead you to get hemorrhoids. Doctors will often recommend increasing the amount of fiber and water in your diet and decreasing the amount of fat and cholesterol to prevent you from getting hemorrhoid problems.