Hemorrhoids ( hemorrhoids ) or hemorrhoids are a disease that arises due to swelling of the veins in the area around the anus. The causes of hemorrhoids are very diverse, but generally occur due to great pressure.
Hemorrhoids do not cause death and in mild stages they can heal by themselves, but this disease is very disturbing to the sufferer's activities because it is very painful. Hemorrhoids are very common, especially in adults. However, compared to men, the fact is that women are at a higher risk of developing hemorrhoids.
Why are women more at high risk of hemorrhoids?
Women are more at high risk of suffering from hemorrhoids because they often experience dilation of blood vessels during menstruation. Not only that, hemorrhoids often appear during pregnancy and or after childbirth. During pregnancy, the growing baby and uterus will put excess pressure on the veins in the pelvic area. Meanwhile, during childbirth or after childbirth, hemorrhoids in women can appear due to pushing too hard during labor.
What are the types and symptoms of hemorrhoids?
Based on the location and symptoms, hemorrhoids are divided into 2 types, namely:
- Internal hemorrhoids ( internal hemorrhoids )
Called internal hemorrhoids because the swelling occurs inside the anus, precisely in the rectum. The lump may not be felt or seen from outside the anus, so it rarely causes complaints. Internal hemorrhoids can also heal by themselves and are included in the mild type of hemorrhoids which are usually only detected when blood comes out of the anus during bowel movements. Symptoms of internal hemorrhoids include itching and pain in the anus. These symptoms usually only appear when the hemorrhoids are getting bigger.
- External hemorrhoids
In external hemorrhoids, the location of the swelling occurs outside the rectum or more precisely around the anal canal. Symptoms of external hemorrhoids include:
- Pain and burning sensation around the anus
- Itching in the anus
- A lump or swelling around the anus
- bloody chapters
From the symptoms, external hemorrhoids are more painful and often make the sufferer feel uncomfortable. This is caused by swollen blood vessels under the skin around the anus which have more nerves.
How to prevent hemorrhoids in women?
- Do Kegel exercises (exercise that focuses on the lower pelvic muscles)
- Avoid pushing too hard during bowel movements
- Don't delay CHAPTER
- Reduce consumption of spicy and fatty foods
- Enough sleep
- Actively moving or diligently exercising
- Don't sit/stand for too long
- Avoid lifting heavy weights too often
- Increase the consumption of fiber, mineral water, and probiotics
When to see a doctor?
Apart from taking some of the precautions above, you can also consult a doctor to get pain relievers, laxatives, or drugs that are inserted into the rectum to relieve hemorrhoid complaints.
In general, doctors will advise external hemorrhoid sufferers who have experienced severe complaints, hemorrhoid sufferers in stages 3 and 4, or hemorrhoid sufferers who experience heavy bleeding to immediately perform surgery. Even so, you are expected to continue to see a doctor if you experience bloody bowel movements in mild stages of hemorrhoids, especially for women who experience hemorrhoids before and during pregnancy. Always pay extra attention to your body's health and do periodic checks for a better quality of life. #LiveExcellently
Article written by dr. Wendell Ken, SpB (General Surgeon at EMC Sentul Hospital).