5 Hemorrhoids Myths Debunked

What are examples of hemorrhoid myths?

1. Sitting on cold surfaces gives you hemorrhoids
2. Hemorrhoids are contagious
3. Only older people get hemorrhoids
4. Spicy foods can give you hemorrhoids
5. Hemorrhoids are permanent

 

Overview

• Temperature does not directly affect the development of hemorrhoids. Rather, sitting for long periods can strain the veins around the anus and rectum.
• Hemorrhoids are not caused by viruses or bacteria, thus making the disease not contagious.
• Age alone does not increase the risk of hemorrhoids. Lifestyle choices like diet and exercise play a more significant role.
• Spicy food does not directly cause hemorrhoids but can worsen symptoms if it is already present.
• Hemorrhoids are a temporary condition that can be improved with the right lifestyle changes, treatments, and medicine.

 

Introduction

What are hemorrhoids? It is also known as piles, severely affecting the vein health in your anus and lower rectum¹. It is often a source of discomfort for many individuals. In managing or preventing hemorrhoids, it is important to sift through the numerous myths surrounding it. Learning the truths behind these confusing and unnecessary ideas is important for proper care and healing.

Many hemorrhoid myths are already debunked. However, there are still five common misconceptions that often surround this condition. Centering around how you can get piles, read on to learn more about these ideas and find the right and factual truth about them.

 

Sitting on Cold Surfaces Gives You Hemorrhoids

Temperature does not directly increase the risk of hemorrhoids². There are very few studies that research the relationship between these two factors³. While sitting on cooler or even wet surfaces can be uncomfortable, it does the opposite of aggravating your vein health. The cold causes the veins to move further into the body to retain the heat⁴. If you have hemorrhoids, ice wrapped in a cloth or paper towel can help reduce swelling and inflammation⁵.

For this myth, it is not the cold that matters but rather sitting itself. Prolonged sitting has an impact on your vein health around this area. The lower rectum area is prone to this condition because it is a weak spot in the body³. It is called the weak spot because three different vein systems meet at the anal canal.

Sitting for long periods puts pressure on your buttocks⁶. This makes the gluteal muscles spread out, stretching the veins around the anus and rectum. Stretching these small veins around that area makes them fragile.

 

Hemorrhoids are Contagious

Hemorrhoids are not a contagious condition. It cannot be transmitted by any means whether it is via blood, intercourse, or pregnancy⁷. Having this in mind, it can already dismiss another usual myth that sex can cause hemorrhoids.

This condition is not an anorectal infection, meaning viruses and bacteria are not the root cause². These two factors are often why a disease is contagious. Instead, they are present in conditions like measles, smallpox⁸, tuberculosis, and cholera⁹.

Bacteria, a single-cell organism¹⁰, and a virus, an infectious microbe⁸, are not present in hemorrhoids. This condition stems from lifestyle choices than these two factors.

However, hemorrhoid symptoms can be confused with other conditions¹¹. One of which is the genital warts or warts in general. Warts are viral infections caused by human papillomavirus or HPV¹². It can be found anywhere including your anal area. Anal warts are soft skin growth that can occur around or inside the anus¹³.

 

Only Older People Get Hemorrhoids

While hemorrhoids can often peak between ages 45 - 65,¹⁴ age does not contribute to the increased risk of hemorrhoids². Older people are only more likely to suffer because of the weakening of their rectal walls⁴. Any age group can get this condition. More often, it is lifestyle choices that affect the development of hemorrhoids.

Common lifestyle factors are a poor diet, lack of exercise, toilet straining, and sitting for extended periods could lead to hemorrhoids². For pregnant people, this condition can happen because of carrying a child¹⁵. This is due to the increased pressure in the pelvic area.

With this information in mind, it is often lifestyle changes that can help fight against hemorrhoids.

 

Spicy Foods Can Give You Hemorrhoids

Spicy food does not cause hemorrhoids². It does not affect the veins in the rectal area⁴. While this is true, avoiding it is necessary when you already have the condition. Spicy food can lead to problems and discomfort in the digestive system, especially in the gastrointestinal tract¹⁶.

If you have hemorrhoids, eating spicy dishes can irritate your digestive tract¹⁷. It can make your condition worse with itching and burning. This is due to the capsaicin found in this type of food. Capsaicin is a compound found in chili peppers¹⁸. It is the reason for the burning and irritant effect. Taking in this compound increases the blood flow to your rectal area, resulting in inflammation¹⁷.

 

Hemorrhoids Are Permanent

Hemorrhoids are an uncomfortable experience, but it is not a permanent situation. However, if they are left untreated, they can become larger and more problematic². It is important to seek medical help as soon as possible to heal faster.

This temporary condition is only because you can change the state of your swollen veins⁴. With lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter treatments, you can improve your situation¹⁶. Simple ways you can enhance piles are through exercising regularly, doing sitz baths, using hemorrhoid creams, and more.

Another way is to take Diosmin + Hesperidin (Daflon® 1000). This medicine is formulated to get to the root cause of the disease. While it treats dilated and inflamed veins, it also strengthens them, enhancing your vein health. It is also your reliable treatment for managing chronic and recurring hemorrhoids.

Key Takeaway

Now that these hemorrhoid myths are debunked, individuals are given more peace of mind in making choices for their vein health. By separating fact from fiction, you can avoid unnecessary worry.

If you find yourself with hemorrhoids, look through evidence-based information in your healing journey. Moreover, seeking medical advice is a necessary step to receive first-hand expertise.

In your journey of managing this condition, you can take Diosmin + Hesperidin (Daflon® 1000) for hemorrhoids to reduce pain. Containing diosmin and other flavonoids, this is clinically proven to elevate your symptoms. Hemorrhoids can be a frustrating situation but you do not need to live in discomfort for too long. Take Diosmin + Hesperidin (Daflon® 1000) today and improve your overall vein health from hemorrhoids to varicose veins!