{"id":59079,"date":"2025-03-12T13:07:36","date_gmt":"2025-03-12T13:07:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cdhf.staging.not4prod.com\/?p=59079"},"modified":"2025-12-01T14:07:12","modified_gmt":"2025-12-01T14:07:12","slug":"debunking-hemorrhoid-myths-common-misconceptions-about-the-condition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/debunking-hemorrhoid-myths-common-misconceptions-about-the-condition\/","title":{"rendered":"Debunking Hemorrhoid Myths: Common Misconceptions about the Condition"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Hemorrhoids are one of those health issues that a lot of people experience but that few people want to talk about. While precise numbers are hard to obtain since many people never tell their doctor they have hemorrhoids, a recent international online survey<\/a> estimated that about 11% of people globally have hemorrhoids.  Plus, recent research suggests that genetics may play a role in the development of hemorrhoids. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, the silence around hemorrhoids has led to a lot of myths and misconceptions about what causes them, who gets them, and how they’re treated<\/a>. This article aims to set the record straight by debunking some of the most common hemorrhoid myths to help you understand the facts about this widespread condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are Hemorrhoids?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hemorrhoids<\/a> are swollen veins in the rectum or anus. They can be internal (inside the rectum) or external (under the skin around the anus). Also known as piles, common symptoms of hemorrhoids include itching, discomfort, pain, or bleeding during bowel movements. With internal hemorrhoids, you may also experience prolapse, which is when the hemorrhoid falls through your anal opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hemorrhoids are typically the result of too much pressure being put on the veins around the anus. This can be caused by several factors, including straining during bowel movements, sitting on the toilet for too long, and a low-fibre diet leading to constipation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hemorrhoids can also occur when the supportive tissues in your rectum and anus are weakened, such as during pregnancy or aging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to lifestyle factors, some medications<\/a>, such as certain anti-depressants, anti-epileptic drugs, and supplements containing iron, can increase your risk of constipation, thereby increasing your risk of developing hemorrhoids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common Hemorrhoid Myths<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, there are a lot of common misconceptions about who gets hemorrhoids, what causes them, and how they should be treated. They include myths about the age of people who get hemorrhoids, how long hemorrhoids last, and what factors cause them. Fortunately, we’re here to bust some of the most common hemorrhoid myths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Only the Elderly Get Hemorrhoids<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One common myth is that only the elderly get hemorrhoids. While it’s true that older adults are prone to hemorrhoids \u2014 almost half of people<\/a> over 50 get them at some point or another \u2014 other groups of people can also get them. For example, between 12 and 41%<\/a> of people who are pregnant or in the postpartum period may get hemorrhoids. Factors <\/a>like chronic constipation, sitting on the toilet for too long, straining during bowel movements, and frequently lifting heavy objects can lead to hemorrhoids at any age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hemorrhoids Never Go Away<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While you may have heard stories about hemorrhoids that require surgery, the truth is that hemorrhoids often resolve on their own or with simple home treatments<\/a> like increased fibre intake, sitz baths (where you sit in a few inches of warm water a few times per day), avoidance of straining while defecating, and exercising regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over-the-counter remedies can also assist in relieving the symptoms of hemorrhoids. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n