Hemorrhoids are inflamed or protruding veins in your lower rectum or anus that can produce symptoms such as bleeding, pain and anal itching or irritation. They commonly appear in those who have reached middle age. Weightlifting and other vigorous forms of exercise can worsen your hemorrhoid symptom, but this is typically temporary and harmless.
Understanding Hemorrhoids
The veins in your anus normally stretch, swell or bulge under pressure. Hemorrhoids occur when increased pressure in your rectum causes increased or chronic vein swelling. Potential factors in the development of hemorrhoids include sitting for extended periods of time, straining during bowel movements, obesity, pregnancy, chronic diarrhea, chronic constipation and anal intercourse. In some cases, you may inherit a tendency toward hemorrhoid formation from a family member. You can also develop swollen anal or rectal veins as a consequence of advancing age and associated weakening of your rectal and anal tissues.
Weightlifting Effects
When you lift weights, increased strain and exertion in your abdominal core can trigger increased swelling in existing hemorrhoids, according to Dr. Paul C. Shellito of Harvard Medical School. This swelling can lead to a temporary worsening of your hemorrhoid symptoms, but it is not medically significant and weightlifting and other forms of exercise will not substantially degrade your hemorrhoid-related health. Other forms of abdominal strain that can temporarily worsen your hemorrhoid symptoms include bowel movement exertion and childbirth.
Other Exercise-Related Effects
Participation in regular exercise can actually help you prevent hemorrhoid formation or reduce your existing hemorrhoid symptoms. This effect stems mainly from relief of pressure on your rectal or anal veins. Exercise can also help you relieve constipation before it produces hemorrhoid symptoms, in addition to helping you control your weight and avoid any hemorrhoids caused by being overweight or obese.
Other Bleeding Sources
The most common symptom of hemorrhoids is the release of blood during a bowel movement. But bleeding during a bowel movement can also indicate the presence of more serious conditions, including cancer in your rectum or anus. If you experience rectal bleeding, don't attempt to self-diagnose hemorrhoids as the source. Consult your doctor for a proper examination. If you have received a hemorrhoid diagnosis, contact your doctor if you experience pain or regular or excessive bleeding. Also contact your doctor if exercise and other home remedies like increased fiber consumption do not ease your symptoms.
Considerations
Once they form, hemorrhoids never fully heal, Harvard Medical School reports. Instead, symptoms of the disorder fluctuate according to the influence of exercise and other factors. If you have persistent or painful hemorrhoids, your doctor may recommend removal with a surgical procedure called a hemorrhoidectomy or an in-office procedure called a rubber band ligation.
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