Hemorrhoids, the swollen veins that can develop in the rectum and anus, are a common occurrence. By age 50, half of adults have had to deal with hemorrhoids, according to the MayoClinic.com. Hemorrhoids may cause painless bleeding during bowel movements, itching and irritation, swelling, pain and discomfort around the anus. Hemorrhoids occur due to increased pressure on the veins, and several conditions can cause internal hemorrhoids.
Chronic Constipation
Constipation most often occurs when a person's diet lacks the appropriate fiber and liquids necessary to make bowel movements pass easily. Many medications, such as opioid-based narcotics, also have a side effect of constipation. When people become constipated, they often strain to pass stools that are too large to move through the rectum. This places pressure on the veins of the rectum and anus, leading to hemorrhoids. In order to prevent constipation, people should maintain a diet rich in leafy green vegetables, whole and dried fruits, whole grains and fiber as well as beans, sprouts and nuts, according to the Rutgers University website.
Pregnancy
Hemorrhoids during pregnancy are quite common, especially in the third trimester. Prenatal vitamins are rich in iron, which can cause constipation and can lead to straining during bowel movements. The increased weight of the fetus causes additional pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus, also increasing the possibility of hemorrhoids. To avoid hemorrhoids during pregnancy, the American Pregnancy Association recommends a high fiber diet, plenty of fluids, drinking prune juice and using the bathroom as soon as the urge presents itself.
Obesity
Obesity is defined as a body mass index of 30 or greater, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Additional weight places significant pressure on the veins of the rectum, which can lead to hemorrhoids. Some overweight people may also eat a diet that does not contain sufficient quantities of fiber rich foods and vegetables, which can lead to constipation. To avoid hemorrhoids, overweight people should increase their intake of fruits, vegetables and legumes and drink plenty of fluids, preferably water.
Anal Intercourse
Anal intercourse may cause trauma to the delicate tissues lining the anus and rectum as well as place pressure on the veins which may cause both internal and external hemorrhoids. Anal intercourse may also cause rectal prolapse, where the rectum protrudes through the anus, as well as incontinence and anal fissures, which are minute tears in the tissue surrounding the anus.
