When dealing with hemorrhoids, it's crucial to avoid certain habits and actions that can worsen symptoms or delay proper healing. Primarily, you should refrain from prolonged toilet time, aggressive wiping, and neglecting to seek medical advice for concerning symptoms.
What Not to Do When You Have Hemorrhoids
To manage hemorrhoids effectively and prevent further irritation or complications, steer clear of the following:
1. Spending Too Much Time on the Toilet
Lingering on the toilet, especially while straining, significantly increases pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus. This pressure can cause hemorrhoids to swell, bleed, or prolapse.
- Avoid: Sitting on the toilet for more than five minutes at a time. This includes reading, using your phone, or any activity that prolongs your stay.
- Instead: Aim to have efficient bowel movements. If you don't feel the urge to go, step away and try again later. Good bowel habits involve a healthy diet rich in fiber and adequate hydration to promote regular, soft stools, reducing the need to strain.
2. Over-Wiping or Wiping Aggressively
The anal area is delicate, and inflamed hemorrhoids are even more sensitive. Harsh wiping can cause further irritation, pain, and even skin breakdown or bleeding, exacerbating symptoms.
- Avoid: Using dry, rough toilet paper aggressively, or wiping repeatedly.
- Instead: Gently pat the area clean with soft, moistened toilet paper, unscented wipes, or a bidet. Consider using a sitz bath for soothing relief after bowel movements, which also helps keep the area clean.
3. Not Calling Your Doctor When Symptoms Are Serious
While many hemorrhoid cases can be managed at home, some symptoms warrant professional medical attention. Ignoring these signs can lead to more serious conditions or complications, or delay diagnosis of an underlying issue.
- Avoid: Dismissing persistent pain, significant bleeding, changes in bowel habits, or any symptoms that worsen or do not improve with home remedies.
- Instead: Contact your doctor if you experience:
- Rectal bleeding that is heavy, persistent, or accompanied by dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Severe pain that interferes with daily activities.
- A prolapsed hemorrhoid that cannot be gently pushed back inside.
- Symptoms that don't improve after a week of home care.
- Changes in bowel movements like sudden constipation or diarrhea.
- Suspicion that your symptoms might be related to something more serious than hemorrhoids.
By avoiding these actions, you can significantly improve your comfort and promote the healing of hemorrhoids.
