Hemorrhoids are a common condition that affects many people at some point in their lives. They are painful and uncomfortable, and they can cause a range of symptoms such as itching, bleeding, and swelling around the anus. Fecal incontinence, on the other hand, is a medical condition that causes an inability to control bowel movements. Many people who suffer from hemorrhoids also experience fecal incontinence, but is there a connection between the two? In this article, we’ll explore the link between hemorrhoids and incontinence.
What Are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that can occur in the rectum and anus. They can be caused by many things, including constipation, pregnancy, and obesity. They are very common, and anyone can get them. There are two types of hemorrhoids: internal and external.
Internal hemorrhoids are located inside the rectum and are not visible. They can cause bleeding and discomfort, but they do not usually cause pain. External hemorrhoids, on the other hand, are located outside the anus and are visible. They can cause pain, itching, and swelling around the anus and are very uncomfortable.
What Is Fecal Incontinence?
Fecal incontinence is a medical condition that causes an inability to control bowel movements. It can be caused by many things, including nerve damage, muscle damage, medical conditions such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and certain medications. Fecal incontinence can be embarrassing and can significantly affect a person’s quality of life.
What's The Connection Betwen Hemorrhoids And Fecal Incontinence?
When hemorrhoids are present, they can cause the muscles and nerves around the anus to become weak and damaged. This can lead to bowel incontinence, as the muscles are no longer able to control bowel movements.
Hemorrhoids can also become swollen, making it hard for the anus to close completely. This in turn can cause small amounts of stool to leak out. In addition to this, hemorrhoids can cause irritation and inflammation in the rectum and anus. This can lead to frequent bowel movements and diarrhea, which can further exacerbate incontinence.
Those who opt for surgery to remove hemorrhoids may also be at a greater risk of developing bowel issues. 1 in 10 women who remove hemorrhoids surgically suffers from fecal incontinence.
But, it’s not just a one-way street. Sometimes, bowel incontinence can actually be a cause of hemorrhoids. This is because the change in pressure within the anal canal can put extra stress on the blood vessels there.
What Can Be Done?
If you are suffering from hemorrhoids and incontinence, there are things you can do to manage your symptoms. The first step is to see your doctor. Your doctor can help you determine the cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan.
Treatment options for hemorrhoids include over-the-counter creams and ointments, sitz baths, and surgery in severe cases. Incontinence management may include lifestyle changes, medications, pelvic floor exercises, and sacral neuromodulation SNM, or in some cases, surgery.
Talk To Your Doctor
Hemorrhoids and incontinence are two medical conditions that can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. While there is a connection between the two, it is important to remember that they are separate conditions that require different treatments. If you are experiencing symptoms of hemorrhoids or incontinence, it is important to see your doctor to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. With the right treatment, you can manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
2 Responses
I eliminated most dairy years ago. Now starting to eliminate gluten. My issue has been here for years; however, last 3 years is just getting worse.
The big factor I didn’t see mentioned is diet–dairy can be a big culprit of constipation, which can lead to hemorrhoids, and leakage/not being able to control a bowel movement. Often gas and bloating are other symptoms. It took me a year of suffering before I was able to make that connection with dairy. Stopped dairy and everything else went away. I never had a problem with dairy–until I did. That includes cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, ice cream, milk. Now, I can do a little dairy, but if I have too much, I get those symptoms