External Hemorrhoid Treatment – What You Need to Know
Jeff Lewis asked:
Hemorrhoids during and directly after pregnancy are a common occurrence for women. Many mothers find themselves looking for an external hemorrhoid treatment that is safe to use during their pregnancy. Luckily, there are several simple things a woman can do for a hemorrhoids treatment during pregnancy and after.
Hemorrhoids are caused by blood vessels in the rectal area that become swollen and inflamed. These veins are very similar to varicose veins, another common condition that pregnant women experience. Pressure from the fetus on the lower abdomen is one of the main causes of hemorrhoids in pregnant women. The increased blood circulating in a woman’s body as well as the hormone progesterone can help weaken the walls of veins causing them to collapse. Many women seek external hemorrhoid treatment to find relief from the itching and burning that hemorrhoids can cause.
There are many safe and effective external hemorrhoid treatment options that can be used during pregnancy. The simplest one is to prevent them from occurring. Constipation can be a factor for some pregnant women, as the strain added to the constant pressure can cause the veins in the rectum to collapse. Eating a diet rich in fiber, as well as drinking your daily recommended amount of water, will lessen the chances of constipation and provide a preventative external hemorrhoids treatment. Frequent walking and light exercise will also help to prevent hemorrhoids as prolonged sitting periods can cause added pressure to the rectum and help to cause hemorrhoids. Many suggest also doing frequent Kegel exercises as these strengthen the muscles and help increase circulation in the rectal area, which is a good preventative hemorrhoids treatment.
If you are already afflicted with hemorrhoids there are several external hemorrhoids treatments that can help. Soaking in a shallow sitz bath can help to relieve the pain and irritation of hemorrhoids. This is just a very shallow warm bath that allows you to soak your rectum. Adding a small amount of baking soda to the water can help as an external hemorrhoids treatment and bring relief. Witch hazel is another external hemorrhoid treatment that you can use. Most pharmacies sell small pads soaked in witch hazel that work well on hemorrhoids. These are generally safe to use during pregnancy and can relieve the burning and itch associated with hemorrhoids.
There are many topical creams available over the counter for external hemorrhoid treatments. While many of them are safe and effective, during pregnancy a woman’s skin becomes highly sensitive. This can mean that some external hemorrhoids treatment creams and ointments could cause further irritation. It is best to discuss with your doctor which topical creams are the most gentle to use on sensitive skin. If you find the area irritated and sore, especially after a bowel movement, clean the area gently with warm water. You should do this after each bowel movement to reduce irritation and to keep the area clean.
Hemorrhoids during pregnancy are a fairly common occurrence. Fortunately there are several external hemorrhoid treatment options that can be used during pregnancy. No pregnant mother has to suffer with hemorrhoids in silence. Choosing a safe and effective hemorrhoids treatment is simple to do.
