The Truth about Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids may not be a topic of polite conversation, but many of us will have to deal with them at some point anyways. More than half of the population will have hemorrhoids by the age of 50, and though this means we should all know a bit about hemorrhoids and how to deal with them, they are often misunderstood.

It’s time to put a few of the most common myths about hemorrhoids to rest. Here are some misconceptions about hemorrhoids and the realities behind them:

Hemorrhoids increase your risk of cancer.

Though these bulging, swollen rectal veins can be alarming, they are not cancerous. There is no evidence that having hemorrhoids will lead to cancer. The two conditions are very different, as are the ways they are treated. Avoiding treatment for hemorrhoids will lead to further pain and discomfort, but it will not cause colorectal cancer.

Hemorrhoids only happen to older people.

While it’s true that hemorrhoids are more common between the ages of 45 and 65, they can happen to anyone. Older people are more susceptible to hemorrhoids because the walls of the rectal veins become weaker with age, leaving them at higher risk of becoming inflamed. Still, bad habits like poor diet, lack of exercise, straining on the toilet and sitting or standing for long periods of time will increase your risk of hemorrhoids at any age.

Hemorrhoids can be caused by sitting on cold or concrete surfaces.

Some people believe that sitting on sidewalks and cold surfaces can lead to hemorrhoids, but neither one of these will cause hemorrhoids. Though sitting anywhere for a long time can increase your risk of hemorrhoids by putting more pressure on the rectal veins, the surface you sit on does not have an influence on hemorrhoid risk.

Once you have hemorrhoids, you have them for good.

Some people fear that hemorrhoids will be permanent, but this is not true. Though the rectal veins that swell into this painful problem are a permanent and necessary part of your anatomy, the swelling and discomfort can be alleviated. Conservative treatments like sitz baths and topical treatments can provide quick relief as hemorrhoids heal, while bad cases can be addressed with surgery.

Because hemorrhoids can be embarrassing, many people hesitate to ask questions about them, but it’s important to have a clear understanding of this common and painful problem. For more information about hemorrhoid risk and prevention, speak with your colorectal specialist.