What Causes Hemorrhoids?

The reason for hemorrhoids to enlarge has not been confirmed yet. There are many theories that talk about its occurrence, which normally includes sitting in the toilet for a longer period, lesser intake of fibers, and chronic constipation. However, all these factors do not have any experimental support do not be considered as strong hemorrhoid causes. Pregnancy is a certain cause for hemorrhoid enlargement but in this case also, there is no clear understanding of the cause. Tumors are another reason that results in hemorrhoids enlargement by putting pressure on the anal canal.

According to one of the theories, the pulling force of the stool drags downward, the hemorrhoidal cushions, while passing the stool (particularly a hard one) through the anal canal. Another story proposes that with an aggravating condition or with age, the supporting tissue that anchors hemorrhoid to the core muscle of the anal canal weakens. As time passes, the hemorrhoid tissues loose their mooring and slip downwards in the anal canal.

One physiological cause about these enlarged hemorrhoids that seems true is elevated pressure in the hemorrhoids, the anal sphincter and the muscle surrounding the anal canal. The muscle called the anal sphincter is the one that helps us to control the bowel movements. However, it is not yet clear if this pressure is the cause or the result of hemorrhoid development. To pull the stool down, extra force is needed so that it can pass through the already tightened sphincter. The increased force to pass the stool through the anal canal can, perhaps, be the reason for dragging the hemorrhoids downwards.

Excessive time (more than one minute) and straining while bowel movement as well as genetic predisposition can cause the enlargement of hemorrhoids. Poor posture while passing the stool, chronic constipation, or poor muscle tone are also some of the reasons which can cause hemorrhoids. Diarrhea bouts, poor bathroom practice (as reading while passing the stool ), constipation, less fibrous diet (western), pregnancy, all can create possible conditions for the hemorrhoids to occur.

Other factors that can add to the causes (by extra pressure) include having a genetic predisposition, an inactive life, obesity, and an inadequate intake of vitamins. One of the most common causes of hemorrhoids is the standing position. While standing, there is pressure exerted on the anal and rectal areas by the blood above the rectum. Apart from these, heredity can also be considered as a cause for the development of hemorrhoids, since it is quite likely for this condition to run in families.