What Causes Haemorrhoids? And What Can Help Ease the Pain?

A woman clutches her buttocks in pain.

Haemorrhoids are one of the most common health conditions, yet they're rarely talked about openly. Many people experience discomfort, itching, or bleeding but delay seeking help because of embarrassment. The truth is that haemorrhoids affect millions of adults and are nothing to be ashamed of. Understanding the causes and knowing your treatment options can make a significant difference to your comfort and quality of life.

What Are Haemorrhoids?

An image of the human body showing various organs, including the intestines.

Haemorrhoids are swollen veins in or around the anus and lower rectum. They can be internal or external and vary in severity. For example, a 3rd degree haemorrhoid protrudes outside the anus during bowel movements and usually needs to be manually pushed back inside.

While haemorrhoids can be uncomfortable, they're usually treatable with lifestyle changes and supportive care.

What Causes Haemorrhoids?

A man sitting on the toilet, playing with his phone.

There isn't a single cause, but several factors can increase your risk. Common causes of haemorrhoids include:

  • Straining during bowel movements
  • Chronic constipation or diarrhoea
  • Sitting on the toilet for prolonged periods
  • Pregnancy and childbirth
  • Being overweight
  • Low-fibre diets
  • Heavy lifting
  • Ageing, which weakens the supporting tissues around the rectum

Understanding what causes haemorrhoids can help you reduce your chances of developing them or prevent them from returning.

Haemorrhoid Pain Relief: What To Do

A female doctor holds up a suppository next to a model of the rectum.

Mild haemorrhoids often improve with simple lifestyle measures, including:

  • Eating more fibre
  • Drinking plenty of water
  • Avoiding prolonged sitting on the toilet
  • Taking warm sitz baths
  • Exercising regularly

Some people also choose to use a cream for haemorrhoids or rectal suppositories as part of their supportive care routine.

How HemorRelax Cream & Suppositories Help with Haemorrhoids

The two main HemorRelax products (cream & suppositories) next to each other.

One option is HemorRelax, available as both a rectal cream and suppositories. Rather than simply masking symptoms, its formulation is designed to help soothe discomfort, support the healing process, and promote healthy tissue and vein function.

It contains:

  • Biotechnological peptides that help relax the anal sphincter, making bowel movements more comfortable.
  • Panthenol to soothe irritated tissue and support the natural healing process.
  • Zinc to help relieve itching and burning while protecting the skin.
  • Aescin (Horse Chestnut) to help support healthy vascular tone and microcirculation.
  • Oak Bark Extract with astringent properties that help protect and support irritated tissues.
  • Calendula to help promote skin and tissue regeneration.
  • Aloe Vera to soothe, hydrate, and comfort irritated tissues.

Why Suffer in Silence?

A man holds his buttocks.

Despite how common they are, haemorrhoids remain a topic many people find embarrassing. This stigma often leads people to ignore symptoms until they become more severe. In reality, healthcare professionals deal with haemorrhoids every day, and early treatment is often the easiest and most effective approach.

If symptoms persist, become increasingly painful, or involve heavy bleeding, it's important to seek medical advice to rule out other conditions.

FAQs

What causes haemorrhoids to flare up?
Common triggers include constipation, straining during bowel movements, prolonged sitting, pregnancy, a low-fibre diet, and heavy lifting. Making small lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of future flare-ups.
Are haemorrhoids contagious?
No, haemorrhoids are not contagious and cannot be passed from one person to another through physical contact or sexual activity. They develop when increased pressure causes the veins in the rectum or anus to swell.
Can anal sex cause haemorrhoids?
Anal sex does not directly cause haemorrhoids, but it may irritate existing haemorrhoids or increase discomfort if the area is already inflamed. If you have an active flare-up, it's generally best to allow the area to heal before engaging in activities that may cause further irritation.
Are haemorrhoids and anal fissures the same?
No, although the symptoms can be similar, haemorrhoids and anal fissures are different conditions. Haemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus, while anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anus. Both can cause pain and bleeding during bowel movements, but they require different treatment approaches.
When should I see a doctor about haemorrhoids?
You should seek medical advice if your symptoms persist for more than a week, become increasingly painful, involve heavy or recurring bleeding, or if you notice changes in your bowel habits. A healthcare professional can rule out other conditions and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

 

 

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