Are your hemorrhoids being a pain in the a$$?
05/24/2009
What exactly are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids (or piles as they are sometimes known) are a condition where veins around the anus become inflamed and swollen.
Internal hemorrhoids are swollen veins inside the anus, external hemorrhoids describe swollen veins that are just under the skin around the anus.
An internal hemorrhoid may protrude through the anus, where it becomes sore and irritated. This is known as a protruding hemorrhoid.
Hemorrhoids are not usually dangerous or life threatening....just extremely annoying and painful!
How are they caused?
Hemorrhoids can be caused in several different ways. Straining on the toilet, being pregnant, constipation and of course aging make them all the more likely.
Hemorrhoids are common in men and women. About half of the population has hemorrhoids by age 50. Pregnant women are more susceptible to hemorrhoids due to the increased volume of blood and the baby sitting on veins in the abdomen. Hormonal changes also cause the blood vessels to get larger. The veins are also placed under a huge strain during childbirth. For most women, however, hemorrhoids caused by pregnancy are a temporary problem, thank goodness, and usually clear up shortly after the baby is born. Posted in: Health| Tags: Hemorrhoids Pain Health