Swollen or inflamed veins in the anus or rectum region are called hemorrhoids. It is more commonly known as piles. These swollen veins can occur either inside the rectum or outside of the anus and cause great discomfort. Hemorrhoids are treatable conditions, and they are a common condition. Hemorrhoids can occur due to many reasons. So, let us look at the main cause of hemorrhoids.

1. Pressure during bowel movement
Pressure can be exerted on the anus in many cases. People suffering from constipation and being overweight or pregnant can put strain when passing stool, which leads to more damage in the anal region.

2. Poor diet
Poor diet is one of the leading causes of piles. Not eating enough fiber causes stool to harden, making it more difficult to pass the bowel. An unregulated diet causes constipation. Prolonged constipation can cause hemorrhoids. People suffering from constipation have to put a lot of pressure to pass stool, resulting in strain and damage to the anus.

3. Hereditary
Another common cause of hemorrhoids is it being genetic. If anyone in your family, father or mother, or close relatives have hemorrhoids, your chances of suffering from hemorrhoids are also high. Hemorrhoids are treatable conditions, and with minor surgery, piles can be cured. If you have a family member with a known condition, consult your doctor and get yourself checked.

4. Pregnancy
Piles or hemorrhoids are a common condition in pregnant women. During pregnancy, there are many things at play, which can cause piles in women. One of these is the baby’s weight inside the womb, which puts more pressure on the rectum. Another reason could be the changing hormones. These types of piles are known to recede after the birth of the child. However, it may take up to a few weeks.

5. Obesity
Being overweight is associated with the development of piles. The weight of the body exerts pressure on the anus and damages the area surrounding it. This can cause piles if weight is not regulated.  Consult your doctor immediately if you have difficulty in passing stool. Known symptoms could be bleeding during bowel movement, the release of mucus, redness, and soreness around the anus.

6. Age
As we grow older, our muscles become weaker, making it difficult to pass stool. This increases your chances of suffering from piles. It is highly recommended that you get a thorough body check-up done regularly to eradicate any chances of piles. If caught early, piles may be treated without surgery.

7. Heavy weight lifting or staying idle
As mentioned earlier, piles are caused due to putting too much pressure on the anal region. Prolonged heavy weight lifting or sitting in one place for long periods puts a lot of pressure on the muscles.

Even though there may be many reasons associated with the development of hemorrhoids, the main cause of hemorrhoids is still not known.