Calculating your Hemorrhoid Risk

From the East Coast to Los Angeles, hemorrhoids affect people of all shapes, sizes and ages. About half of the adult population will develop at least one hemorrhoid over the course of their lifetime, while many people will develop even more. What you may not realize is that certain health factors could be increasing your risk of developing hemorrhoids, making it even more likely that you will be part of the half of all Americans who are affected by this uncomfortable condition. Knowing your risk for hemorrhoids can put you in a position to prevent them from occurring by developing healthy prevention strategies.

Here are a few of the leading health factors that increase your risk of developing hemorrhoids:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can increase your risk of developing hemorrhoids. These conditions are marked by chronic inflammation of the colon along with severe bouts of constipation and diarrhea.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): This is another gastrointestinal disorder that causes chronic and severe constipation and diarrhea, which increases your risk of developing hemorrhoids.
• Obesity: Those who are obese or severely overweight are also at a heightened risk for developing hemorrhoids, as the excess weight applies added pressure to the anus and rectum. Many people who are obese also follow a diet that is low in fiber and also refrain from physical activity, both of which will increase your risk of developing hemorrhoids.
• Pregnancy: Many pregnant women experience hemorrhoids during the third trimester of their pregnancy, and unfortunately the condition does not always correct itself following the birth of your child. The growth of the uterus during pregnancy transmits pressure to the veins in the anus and rectum, which can lead to hemorrhoids.
• Constipation: Unfortunately for many people, constipation is a common concern. Chronic constipation is usually caused by poor diet or dehydration and the straining that often accompanies constipation may lead to hemorrhoid development.

If you have any of the above conditions, talk with your colon and rectal specialist about strategies you can adopt to prevent hemorrhoids before they affect you.