Hemorrhoids are blood vessels covered with skin. According to The National Library of Medicine, external hemorrhoids occur at the anal opening and are pushed outwards. They will look blue most of the time, but when inflamed, they will become red. When they are blue, they usually cause no symptoms, but once irritated, they can cause pain and intense itching. For the most part, the causes of these types of hemorrhoids are preventable.
Straining
Straining when you are trying to have a bowel movement is one of the main causes of external hemorrhoids. Straining puts pressure on the rectal area and causes internal hemorrhoids to be pushed out. It can even cause one of these hemorrhoids to prolapse, which can be painful. Avoid straining, especially if you already suffer from hemorrhoids.
Diarrhea
Many people suffer from diarrhea occasionally. However, when diarrhea occurs for an extended period, it can cause external hemorrhoids. This happens because frequent diarrhea causes irritation to hemorrhoids that are already there and the pressure can push them outward, causing external hemorrhoids. Eating a low-fiber diet can help harden stools and will also cause less frequent bowel movements.
Pregnancy
When a woman becomes pregnant, there will be a hormonal increase and increased pressure in her lower body. According to Hemorrhoids.net, this increase in pressure and hormonal change causes hemorrhoidal vessels to enlarge. This added pressure can cause new external hemorrhoids to occur or can cause internal hemorrhoids to be pushed out of the rectum, causing external hemorrhoids. In a pregnant woman, with the additional blood supply already in her body, these hemorrhoids can cause a great deal of discomfort and even seem to throb at times.
Sedentary Lifestyle
People who do not exercise and have a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to have hemorrhoids. This is because sitting for long periods of time can cause pressure in the rectum which will cause hemorrhoids to develop. In addition, the pressure can be more extreme in obese people or people that have jobs requiring them to sit for long hours.
