Causes of Internal Hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids are one of two different types of hemorrhoid conditions and consist of anal veins on the inside of the anal canal that become irritated and swollen for a number of different reasons. Internal hemorrhoids develop on the inside wall of the anal canal and if the condition gets worse they can develop into what is known as a prolapsed hemorrhoid.

Prolapsed hemorrhoids are internal hemorrhoids that will protrude from the anal opening as the result of the internal condition becoming irritated. Prolapsed internal hemorrhoids will protrude from the anal opening during a bowel movement and then will they will retract intermittently depending upon the condition. Other types of prolapsed hemorrhoids can be placed back into the anus with your fingertip but will protrude again without warning.

Internal Hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoid conditions are normally not very painful due to the lack of nerve endings on the inside of the anal canal. For this reason the presence of the condition is not known until you begin to notice the appearance of blood in your stool, in the toilet water, and on the toilet paper.

One of the main causes of internal hemorrhoids is the result of a hard stool rubbing against the inside wall of the anal canal. Hard stools are the result of constipation and cause the internal hemorrhoids to rupture and bleed.

Other causes of internal hemorrhoids include:

• Diarrhea

Although diarrhea is the opposite of constipation it can still cause internal hemorrhoids to develop and if it is persistent, it can cause the condition to become worse.



• Low Fiber Diet

A diet that is low in fiber will cause constipation and often diarrhea. The same is true for a diet that is high in processed foods and deficient in fluids.



• Modern Toilet

Unfortunately the way the modern toilet is designed it encourages straining during bowel movements which is the leading cause of internal hemorrhoids.



• Heredity

If there is a history of hemorrhoid conditions in your family this can be passed on to future generations.



• Sedentary Lifestyle

It has been proven that exercise reduces the chances of developing a hemorrhoid condition and can benefit an existing condition. If you lead an inactive lifestyle this can cause internal hemorrhoids to develop.



• Pregnancy

Internal hemorrhoids can develop as the result of the fetus creating pressure on the hemorrhoid veins in the anal canal.



• Obesity

Obesity can cause internal hemorrhoids due to the fact that the extra weight creates added pressure on the anal veins.



• Hypertension

Hypertension is basically high blood pressure in which the arteries are elevated. This can cause swelling of the anal veins which results in an internal hemorrhoid condition.



• Vitamin E Deficiency

Vitamin E deficiency can result in muscle weakness which weakens the sphincter muscles in the anal area. This can result in internal hemorrhoids because the muscle tissue of the anal wall is weakened which makes the lining susceptible to hemorrhoids.

Prolapsed Hemorrhoids

Although internal hemorrhoids are not painful, if they become prolapsed they can become uncomfortable and embarrassing because they protrude outside of the anal opening. Prolapsed hemorrhoids will often protrude during a bowel movement and then retract after you are finished defecating. In the case of other prolapsed hemorrhoid conditions they will remain prolapsed outside of the anus and can be retracted with your fingertip for an indefinite period of time.

It is still a mystery as to what exactly causes prolapsed hemorrhoids however they are a result of internal hemorrhoids, so the causes of internal hemorrhoids apply to the development of prolapsed hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids develop in four different grades and grades two through four represent different stages of prolapsed hemorrhoids.

These are some of the main causes of internal hemorrhoids. If you have developed internal hemorrhoids you will find a wide variety of information on this website on how to treat the condition and prevent it from returning in the future.

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