Your only question about hemorrhoids may be, “How do I get rid of them?” However, understanding what causes them can help prevent them.
Dr. Prem Chattoo and his team at Hudson River Gastroenterology can eliminate the pain and itch of hemorrhoids with treatments that range from prescription-grade topicals to in-office procedures like hemorrhoid banding.
Their focus then shifts to helping you reduce the risk of future occurrences whenever possible. This often includes a few adjustments in your daily routine, like increasing your fiber intake, exercising regularly, and spending less time on the toilet.
Here’s a message from Dr. Chattoo and his team regarding how hemorrhoids develop and why sitting increases your risk.
Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed blood vessels (veins), similar to varicose veins located in the rectum or anus. They can be internal (inside the rectum) or external (under the skin around the anus).
Internal hemorrhoids are usually painless. However, they can prolapse or push through the anal opening, causing significant pain. External hemorrhoids are often very irritating and can develop a blood clot (thrombus), which may become quite painful.
Otherwise, symptoms can vary and may include:
While hemorrhoids are common and their exact causes can vary, they’re often related to increased pressure in the lower rectum, which may be related to:
Fortunately, you can reduce your risk of hemorrhoids. Even a simple change, like increasing water and fiber intake, can soften stools and reduce pressure on the rectal area.
Here’s why spending extended periods on the toilet contributes to hemorrhoids:
Prolonged sitting puts extra pressure on the veins in your rectal area, which must work against gravity to return blood to the heart. Over time, this can lead to swelling and the formation of hemorrhoids. This includes toilet time or sitting at a desk for hours every day.
When you sit on the toilet, gravity naturally pulls downward on your rectum, adding additional strain on the veins in that region.
Prolonged toilet sessions often go hand-in-hand with straining. Whether you’re constipated or distracted by your phone, reading material, etc., straining increases the pressure on your rectal veins, further elevating your risk.
While it may feel like a mini-break, using your toilet time to read, catch up on texts, etc., can delay the natural bowel movement process. This increases the time spent in a less-than-ideal position for your rectal health.
The good news is that small lifestyle changes can help reduce your risk. Our team recommends:
Try to spend no more than 5–10 minutes on the toilet. If it’s taking longer, consider whether dietary adjustments or hydration could help improve your bowel movements.
Straining puts unnecessary pressure on the rectal veins. Consider fiber supplements, stool softeners, or scheduling a visit with Dr. Chattoo if you're experiencing frequent or prolonged constipation.
A fiber-rich diet helps create soft, easy-to-pass stools, reducing the need to strain. Be sure to drink plenty of water to support healthy digestion.
Regular exercise improves overall circulation, which can help prevent hemorrhoids.
If you use your bathroom time to catch up on emails or social media, try to break this habit. Focus on the task at hand and return to other activities afterward.
If you’re experiencing persistent hemorrhoid symptoms (lasting more than a week), are experiencing increasing bleeding or pain, or have concerns about your bowel health, schedule a visit with Dr. Chattoo today.
