Who is most likely to develop hemorrhoids? Women or men?

Table of Content

1. Who Is Most at Risk of Developing Hemorrhoids?
2. Who is more likely to have hemorrhoids?
3. Prevention
4. How are hemorrhoids treated?

Who Is Most at Risk of Developing Hemorrhoids?

In this article, we will explain who is most at risk of developing hemorrhoids and why the contributing factors can vary from one person to another. Hemorrhoids are a common health issue that can cause significant discomfort. Many people suffer from its symptoms without knowing the direct cause, which is why understanding the nature and causes of this condition is so important.

What Are Hemorrhoids, Their Symptoms, and Causes?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins located inside the rectum or around the anus. They can be internal, which are not visible from the outside, or external, which cause noticeable pain and swelling. Symptoms often start with pain or itching in the anal area, and bleeding may occur during bowel movements. Some people may also feel a small lump or swelling in the area.

There are many reasons for developing hemorrhoids. Chronic constipation is one of the leading causes, along with frequent diarrhea, prolonged sitting or standing, heavy lifting, and obesity. Pregnancy and aging are also significant contributing factors.

If left untreated, hemorrhoids can lead to complications such as blood clots or anemia. In rare cases, they can cause severe inflammation or problems with bowel movements. Understanding the causes helps with prevention, and early diagnosis can stop the condition from getting worse.

Certain groups of people are more at risk than others. Women, for example, are more likely to develop hemorrhoids due to pregnancy, childbirth, and hormonal changes. People with sedentary lifestyles or those who consume low-fiber diets are also at higher risk.

Dr. Daad Al-Taani, a specialist in anorectal disorders in Dubai, emphasizes that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the first line of defense. She recommends proper nutrition, drinking enough water, and avoiding long periods of sitting. She also highlights the importance of starting treatment as soon as symptoms appear.

This article will help you identify the groups most at risk of hemorrhoids and how to manage the condition in safe and effective ways.

You can visit our YouTube channel to watch exclusive interviews with Dr. Daad Al-Taani, where she discusses these conditions in greater detail.

Who is more likely to have hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are a common disease, as approximately 55-66% of people suffer from hemorrhoids at some point in their lives, and hemorrhoids most often affect people between the ages of (45-65) years. Males and females are affected at an equal rate, but women have more risk factors for the appearance and worsening of hemorrhoid symptoms, including:

Pregnancy: Women often develop hemorrhoids during pregnancy and childbirth, because the stress of carrying a baby increases pressure on the blood vessels in the pelvic area. In addition to, hormonal changes can also cause the blood vessels to become excessively enlarged as they have more blood in their bodies to support the fetus. Pregnant women are also at risk of constipation, making them more susceptible to hemorrhoids.

Vaginal birth: During labor contraction and pushing to deliver baby, blood is forced into the veins around the anus. This puts extra pressure on these vessels and become filled with blood and this led to hemorrhoids.

Hormonal changes during menstruation:

Hormonal changes before and during menstruation affect the blood vessels, the high level of progesterone lead to dilate blood vessels, and thus may exacerbate the symptoms of hemorrhoids.

Weak pelvic floor muscles:

Especially with age.

Chronic constipation in women:

It is often caused by diet and lifestyle, where an insufficient amount of dietary fiber and fluids is consumed, in addition to a lack of movement and physical activity.

Sitting or standing for long periods, especially if you are obese or over weight, as this increases the risk of hemorrhoids.
Wearing high heels:Wearing high heels may increase the risk of hemorrhoids, but not directly. This happen for several reasons according to the US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Eye Diseases (NIDDK): Changing body position, lack of foot movement and narrow toe shoes are all factors that may increase pressure on the pelvic area and congestion of the veins, which increases the incidence of hemorrhoids. It is important to note that wearing high heels is not the only cause of hemorrhoids, other factors play a much larger role.

Prevention:

Eating foods that are high in fiber
Taking a stool softener or a fiber supplement
Drinking a lot of water every day
Doing exercise.
Avoid long periods of sitting.

How are hemorrhoids treated?

It can be treated by Conservative treatment:

Eat more fiber: can make stools softer and easier to pass.
Take fiber supplement
Drink plenty of water.
Use ointment or cream made for hemorrhoids
Pain relief such as ibuprofen If symptoms are serious or aren’t getting better after 1-2 weeks,We can use some nonsurgical procedures: Sclerotherapy

Rubber band ligation
Infrared photocoagulation
Electro cauterization
And if the hemorrhoids are big and extreme, it can be removed surgically (Hemorrhoidectomy).

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