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Hemorrhoids are much more common than many people realize. In fact, about 1 in 20 Americans has hemorrhoids, and nearly half of adults over age 50 experience them at some point in their lives. Despite how common they are, many people are unsure why hemorrhoids develop or what they can do to reduce their risk.
Hemorrhoids form when the veins in the lower rectum or anus become swollen from repeated pressure. While anyone can develop them, certain daily habits and health conditions make them more likely. Understanding these risk factors can help you make small changes that support your digestive health and recognize when it's time to see the best doctor for hemorrhoid treatment in Los Angeles. In this article, we'll explain what causes hemorrhoids, who is most at risk, and what you can do to help prevent future flare-ups.
Why Did I Get Hemorrhoids? The Most Common Causes Explained
If you've had or recently developed hemorrhoids, you may wonder what caused them. In many cases, the answer isn't one specific event. Instead, hemorrhoids usually develop after repeated pressure on the veins in the lower rectum over time.
Several everyday habits and health conditions can increase that pressure. Common causes of hemorrhoids include:
- Straining during bowel movements
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea
- Sitting on the toilet for extended periods
- Heavy lifting or activities that repeatedly increase abdominal pressure
- Eating a low-fiber diet that leads to harder stools
Although hemorrhoids often develop gradually, making changes to these habits may help reduce the amount of pressure placed on the rectal veins.
Am I at Higher Risk for Developing Hemorrhoids?
Some people are more likely to develop hemorrhoids because of changes in the body, medical circumstances, or everyday habits that increase pressure on the veins in the lower rectum. In many cases, several risk factors work together rather than one single cause being responsible.
Some of these factors are outside your control, while others may improve with lifestyle changes. The table below shows which common hemorrhoid risk factors you can influence and why each one matters.
Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will definitely develop hemorrhoids. However, knowing which factors apply to you can make it easier to focus on the habits you can change and reduce unnecessary strain over time.
How to Prevent Hemorrhoids Before They Start
Many of the habits that help prevent hemorrhoids focus on making bowel movements easier and reducing unnecessary strain. Eating enough fiber, staying hydrated, and maintaining healthy bathroom habits can all help reduce pressure on the rectal veins.
Hemorrhoid prevention starts with these simple lifestyle changes:
- Eat more fiber for hemorrhoids from fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains
- Drink enough water throughout the day to keep stools softer
- Stay physically active to encourage regular bowel movements
- Go to the bathroom when you feel the urge instead of waiting
- Limit the amount of time you spend sitting on the toilet
- Use proper lifting techniques and avoid unnecessary straining whenever possible
If constipation remains an ongoing problem despite these changes, talk with your doctor. Treating chronic constipation often helps reduce one of the biggest contributors to hemorrhoids.
When Should I See a GI Doctor for Hemorrhoids?
Many hemorrhoids improve with lifestyle changes or over-the-counter treatments, but some symptoms deserve medical attention. If hemorrhoids continue to return, become increasingly painful, or fail to improve after a week of home care, it's time to schedule an evaluation.
You should also consider seeing a GI doctor or hemorrhoid specialist if you experience:
- Rectal bleeding that continues or worsens
- Severe pain or swelling around the anus
- A lump that does not improve
- Symptoms that interfere with daily activities
- Uncertainty about whether hemorrhoids are causing your symptoms
Although hemorrhoids commonly cause rectal discomfort and bleeding, other digestive conditions can produce similar symptoms. A proper evaluation from the best GI doctor for hemorrhoids in Los Angeles helps identify the true cause and ensures you receive the most appropriate treatment.
Find the Best Doctor for Hemorrhoid Treatment in Los Angeles
Understanding what contributes to hemorrhoids can make it easier to take practical steps toward preventing hemorrhoids in the future. Whether you have hemorrhoids from constipation or another underlying risk factor, healthy changes to your diet and daily habits may help reduce pressure on the rectal veins. If symptoms continue despite these changes, a medical evaluation can help determine what is causing them and whether additional treatment may help.
At Elite Digestive Health, Dr. Benjamin Basseri brings extensive training and experience in gastroenterology to patient care. A Los Angeles native, he graduated summa cum laude from UCLA with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience before beginning his medical training at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. His gastroenterology expertise supports a thorough approach to evaluating hemorrhoid symptoms and determining when treatment may be appropriate.
If hemorrhoid symptoms are persistent, painful, or interfering with your daily life, schedule an appointment with the best doctor for hemorrhoid treatment in Los Angeles and learn which treatment options may be right for you.
