Doctors say that three out of four people of any gender experience hemorrhoids. Some are unlucky to contract them early on, but it is a predicament that usually hits us as we grow older. When you hit middle age, you can be certain you’ll get them at some point. Though they are widespread, they are still sort of taboo. Unfortunately, they can influence the quality of our everyday life and sex.
What Are Hemorrhoids?
We all have networks of blood vessels in our lower rectum. The condition known as hemorrhoids occurs when the veins surrounding your sphincter become swollen. This is very similar to the problem of varicose veins on your legs. However, the veins that turn into hemorrhoids, aka piles, are in a more sensitive area.
Two Types of Butt Problems
Internal hemorrhoids are the ones that stay within your rectum. They are the less problematic variation, and they rarely influence your quality of life. You might have them now without knowing it. You don’t feel pain or discomfort. Aside from some blood in your stool or on your toilet paper, you wouldn’t know you’ve had them.
External hemorrhoids, on the other hand, occur when swollen blood vessels protrude from your anus. They are highly irritable, so people experience itchiness and pain. With them, emptying your bowels can become painful. What’s worse, you could feel irritation even when sitting. When people complain about painful hemorrhoids, this is what they suffer from.
Anal Cauliflower and Anal Play
Luckily, people who are into anal sex pay more attention to this body part, so they can spot the problem early on. In the case of internal hemorrhoids, there’s little impact on anal sex. In the worst-case scenario, the bottom partner might experience small amounts of bleeding.
External hemorrhoids might create problems. They can make the entire area painful to touch, so stimulation and penetration are off the table. Furthermore, besides the obvious physical discomfort, there’s the psychological aspect. Some people become self-conscious and feel like their anus is ugly, which can influence their level of comfort in vaginal sex too.
Why People Avoid Talking About Them
If there is one universal experience we humans share, it’s the fact that everybody poops. And still, this is one of the biggest taboos. You might have friends with whom you have toilet reports, but on a societal level, we don’t talk openly about it. The same goes for sex. We all came to this world as a result of coitus, but you would induce shock if you talked about it to strangers.
The same goes for hemorrhoids. Can you imagine having a business dinner and deciding to ask your middle-aged boss if their piles are alright? Chances are you’d create an awkward situation at best.
Boo Taboo
At first glance, it seems reasonable — your nether region is an intimate body area. You can share details about it with your close ones or people with whom you’re intimate. If a stranger starts sharing their anal troubles, the listeners will inevitably visualize the asshole. And few people want unsolicited imagery of butt holes covered with gorged blood vessels.
However, this censorship out of politeness is problematic as not talking about these issues can prevent people from exchanging useful information about treatment and prevention. Worse, individuals who suffer from them can feel ashamed, which stops them from reaching out for professional help.
People shouldn’t ignore their hemorrhoid problems, especially since similar symptoms can stem from more serious issues. If you notice anything strange, talk to your partner or friends. They might be able to help you, or you might help them. Ultimately, speak with your doctor.
How to Treat Hemorrhoids
Older people, overweight persons, and pregnant women are at a higher risk of having hemorrhoid problems. Your internal pile might protrude after defecation, but if it quickly returns by itself, there’s no need to worry. You should start doing something about it if the swollen blood vessel stays outside of your sphincter for more than several days. Know more about Hemorrhoids here.
Hygiene
There are several easy steps you can take to alleviate your discomfort. Firstly, increase your level of hygiene. After you go to the toilet, if possible, take a shower right after. You won’t irritate your butt further with paper, and warm water can be soothing. A clean asshole means less irritation and bacterial problems. In situations when you can’t take a shower, wet wipes will do the trick.
Warm Baths
We’ve mentioned that warm water can have positive effects. When itchiness and pain become a problem, you can take long showers or baths. If by chance, this isn’t an option, you can practice a Sitz bath (sitting bath). Fill your bath or shower cabin with water just enough so that you can sit in it and soak your butt. Lastly, you can fit a bowl of hot water into your toilet and sit in it.
Creams and Surgery
Over-the-counter pain relievers in the form of pills or cream can help. Some ointments can alleviate the itching sensation. If these methods fail, you should discuss surgery options with your doctor. They are usually less serious interventions.
Avoiding Hemorrhoids
Luckily there are many things you can do to stop hemorrhoids from becoming a problem. Once you’ve experienced these butt issues, you should consider making some changes in your lifestyle so that they don’t become a recurring issue.
Fiber
There are many schools and theories on nutrition with clashing opinions. However, there’s one thing they all agree on — food rich in fiber is good for you. This means vegetables, fruit, and whole grain. Not only does fiber clean your intestines, but it also makes your stool more malleable and squishy. This helps you with defecation as it lessens the strain on your sphincter and surrounding veins.
Drink Water
This is another thing that can help you combat hard stool and consequently, hemorrhoids. When you intake sufficient quantities of water and non-alcoholic liquids, your feces become moist enough. Wet poop is softer and easier to pass, and it causes less strain to your butt hole.
Go When You Need to Go
Once you get the urge to poop, try going to the toilet as soon as possible. This is beneficial in two ways. Firstly, you’re lessening the pressure in your rectum. Secondly, your colon can soak up the liquids in your feces. The longer it stays there, the less moist it will be, and so it’s harder to pass out.
Physical Activities
Sitting long hours can contribute to hemorrhoid issues, so try to be more active. Furthermore, exercising or long walks can help greatly. Being overweight can cause pressure on your butt veins, and thus, you get hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids are a pain in the butt, literally and figuratively, but they are nothing to be ashamed of. Don’t let them influence your life and try getting help or treatment as soon as possible.
