What Causes Hemorrhoids in Men? The #1 Guide to Hemorrhoids in Men

What Causes Hemorrhoids in Men? Let’s face it, who wants to admit to having hemorrhoids?  It’s an embarrassing topic, discussing the inner and intimate functions and issues of your anal and rectal area.  The truth of the matter is, everyone has hemorrhoids. 

The pillow-like cushioning of veins lying beneath the mucous membrane and underneath the skin around the anus are called hemorrhoids. 

It’s really only when they become inflamed and begin to present the troublesome, disruptive symptoms that people say, “I’ve got hemorrhoids”. 

Can Men Get Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are one of the most common problems experienced by older adults, and this includes both men and women equally. 

Both genders have an increased chance of having hemorrhoid flare-ups when age 50 or higher. 

Research suggests that the tissue holding together the cushion of veins and blood vessels weakens with age, making it more likely that older men and women experienced inflammation of hemorrhoids and the known symptoms of itching, pain, and discomfort. 

Although young men can also get hemorrhoids, especially if they experience chronic constipation or diarrhea, it is more common for women who are pregnant because of the added pressure and stress to the lower rectum.

This issue is no stranger to men. 

In fact, this issue is familiar to most over the age of fifty, and additionally, pregnant women. 

Why is this? 

There are many reasons why hemorrhoids become more of a nuisance for the aging population, men included. 

When you are pregnant with hemorrhoids, the added pressure of their growing uterus presses on these veins, straining them and resulting in inflammation. 

For men, however, the story is obviously a bit different. 

Constipation: The Main Culprit of Hemorrhoids

Every doctor will tell you that if you find yourself straining on the toilet, struggling to go, and in general, experiencing constipation, your hemorrhoids are bound to become inflamed. 

This can lead to extreme hemorrhoid pain.

A regular, happy, and healthy colon is the key to preventing flare-ups, among many other potential diseases and lower intestinal conditions. 

In the end, the goal is to have softer stools so your body doesn’t overexert itself during bowel movements. 

Your hemorrhoids will then proceed with their regular functions and avoid becoming inflamed and irritated.

This is a great post that describes how to stop hemorrhoid itching and burning.

Factors that can cause constipation and hemorrhoids in men:

• Not drinking enough water
• Eating foods high in fat content
• Eating too many dairy products
• Certain medications
• Resisting the urge to go
• Lack of exercise
• Using laxatives too often

If you are in your fifties or older and can relate to the problem of constipation, your risk of a hemorrhoid flare-up is much higher. 

The best solution is to eliminate the list of potential factors that cause constipation. 

Remember, if you need to drastically change your daily dieting habits from junk food to healthy meals, do so in small increments. 

This also includes any other lifestyle change, like your exercise regime.  A drastic change can lead to further constipation, and you won’t want that for your hemorrhoids.

High Fat and Low Fiber: The Diet Behind Hemorrhoids

For men, hemorrhoids are commonly connected to the diet.  It can be easy to slip into a bad diet and connectively, bad habits to go along with it. 

Sometimes, though, men don’t realize the impact the bi-weekly, high-fat burger has on their health, and ultimately, their hemorrhoids.

High-fat diets limit the number of nutrients you consume, and this can be detrimental to your health. 

Yes, bacon every morning sounds good, but what is it really doing to your health? 

Foods that are high in fat limit your metabolism and your ability to push foods through your body, hence the risk of constipation.  A combination of constipation and meals that don’t chalk up to the daily recommendation of fiber consumption leads to one thing for men, inflamed hemorrhoids. 

And as you already know, constipation is one of the leading causes of a painful hemorrhoid flare-up.

The Unavoidable Factor Men Cannot Deny...Age 

As much as we do not like to admit it, growing older is inevitable, as are all of the health factors that accompany our age. 

Growing older means that the connective tissues in the lower rectal region weaken, and the veins that push blood vessels along to this anal and rectal area are not as efficient as they would be in the prime of youth. 

This is why irritated hemorrhoids form so often in older adults, and older men can attest to dealing with the formation of painful external hemorrhoids and their corresponding symptoms.

And while hemorrhoids are one of the primary reasons for anal and rectal bleeding, itching, and discomfort, it could be an indication of a more serious condition. 

Hemorrhoid bleeding can be a sign of a few serious health issues.

Following prostate and lung cancer, colorectal is the third most common cancer among men. 

As men age, their risk of cancer subsequently increases.  As you can see, there is the utmost importance of informing your doctor if you are experiencing bleeding from the anal region, as it could be a sign of this common cancer. 

Your doctor may want to proceed with additional examinations and tests just to be sure.

A hemorrhoid doctor can help you determine what type of hemorrhoid you have.

Alcohol Consumption and Hemorrhoids 

There is a dehydrating factor in alcohol that is an indirect link to inflamed hemorrhoids. 

In excess, alcohol can bring about the symptoms of hemorrhoids, and this is because its consumption prevents the body from properly absorbing fluids. 

Through dehydration arises the main source of hemorrhoid causation; hard stools.  Stools that are difficult to pass may tear the delicate lining of the lower rectal area, disrupting the hemorrhoids and resulting in bleeding during a bowel movement.

Instead of reaching for the extra cocktail or beer, go instead for a glass of water. 

Better yet, drink at least eight glasses of water a day and avoid the overindulgence of alcohol. By doing so, you will, in turn, make your stools softer and easier to pass.

Men can take steps in the prevention of inflamed and uncomfortable hemorrhoids. 

Simple changes like drinking more water, slowly increasing the amount of fiber in the diet, and exercising regularly can all help keep the colon regular and soften stools, eliminating straining during bowel movements. 

Now that you know what causes hemorrhoids, do your best to work to address them.

These small steps can greatly reduce and prevent inflammation in the hemorrhoids, and with these, men can hopefully avoid flare-ups altogether.