Ask the Experts- August 2023

Dear Red Hot Mamas,

This is an embarrassing question for me to ask, but I feel comfortable asking it through your Red Hot Mamas website. Well, here is my question. Ever since I was pregnant years ago, I have hemorrhoids. Can you give me some tips to help me? I appreciate your help.

Bridget

Dear Bridget,

Many people are too embarrassed to admit they have them, yet they are much more common than we know. Pregnancy is one cause, other causes may be due to straining during bowel movements, obesity and even sitting for prolonged amounts of time.

Here are several ways that may help:

• Keep moving and don’t sit too long. Regular exercise keeps the blood flowing and helps with constipation. Drink enough fluids.
• Drink enough fluids.
• Soften your stool by adding fiber to your diet. Flaxseed is a good source of fiber so spread a little on your salad each day. Fiber only works if you drink a lot of fluids, at least 2 liters a day or more if it is hot.
• Don’t strain – try not to sit on the toilet for more than five minutes. The reason you are straining may be due to constipation.
• To help with the burning sensation of hemorrhoids you may want to stop using toilet paper but instead use moist towelettes. There are also over the counter hemorrhoid creams and pads which may help decrease inflammation and reduce the pain associated with hemorrhoids. A sitz bath is also useful. Try to sit in warm water for about 15 minutes several times a day.

And talk to your doctor if these prevention strategies don’t work. Your doctor should discuss the newer treatments available to treat your hemorrhoids.

Thank you for writing to Red Hot Mamas.