Hemorrhoid Causes: What Really Triggers Them and How to Stop Them

When you feel that burning or swelling near your anus, it’s often hemorrhoids, swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus that become inflamed and painful. Also known as piles, they’re not rare—nearly half of all adults will deal with them by age 50. But why do they happen in the first place? It’s not just about being ‘too sedentary’ or eating too little fiber. The real causes are more specific—and often easier to fix than you think.

The biggest trigger is constipation, when stool is hard and you have to push hard to pass it. That extra pressure on the veins in your rectum doesn’t go away after one bad bowel movement. Do it daily for weeks? Those veins start to stretch, bulge, and swell. Same thing happens if you sit on the toilet too long scrolling through your phone. You’re not just being lazy—you’re literally putting pressure on your anal veins. And it’s not just bowel habits. pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, increases hemorrhoid risk because the growing baby presses down on pelvic veins. Heavy lifting, chronic coughing, and even genetics can play a role too.

People often blame spicy food or alcohol, but those don’t cause hemorrhoids—they just make existing ones worse by increasing blood flow and irritation. The real issue is prolonged pressure and poor bowel habits. If you’re straining, holding it in, or sitting for hours on the toilet or at your desk, you’re feeding the problem. The good news? Most hemorrhoids get better with simple changes: drink more water, move more, avoid long toilet sessions, and use a footstool to improve your posture when you go. You don’t need surgery or fancy creams right away. Often, just fixing the root cause makes all the difference.

Below, you’ll find real comparisons and practical guides from people who’ve been there—whether it’s spotting early signs, choosing between natural remedies and meds, or understanding how lifestyle changes actually work. No guesswork. Just clear, tested info.