Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are simply varicose veins of the anus. The hormone progesterone causes the vascular walls of your veins, including the veins in and around the anus, to weaken.
CAUSE
As your uterus puts extra pressure in and on the large veins coming out of your legs and going to your heart, the pressure in the veins of your lower body increases during pregnancy. Later, as your baby's head moves deeper into the pelvis, it also puts extra pressure on the veins.
TYPES
There are two types of hemorrhoids, internal and external.
- Internal hemorrhoids are on the inside of the anus and can be noticed by pain during defecation and blood during defecation. When you wipe, there may be blood on the toilet paper.
- External hemorrhoids are first noticed by itching and secondly by pain. These hemorrhoids are the most common and can also bleed a little.
TIPS
Make sure you clean your anus thoroughly after defecation. Remnants of stool left behind can cause itching, but be careful not to wipe too hard or too much. This will cause hemorrhoids to open up. It is better to rinse with cold water after defecating. The cold shrinks the hemorrhoids because the vascular walls contract, and they become temporarily or permanently smaller. Avoid hot water, so be careful with a hot bath.
If hemorrhoids feel painful and tight, a cold compress can provide relief. There are several types of hemorrhoid ointment, which can be purchased at most pharmacies. An example is the brand Curanol. If there is a lot of pain, you can ask your doctor for a painkilling hemorrhoid cream.
