Haemorrhoids are caused by increased pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus. This pressure can cause the veins to stretch, bulge, and swell. Multiple factors contribute to this increased pressure, including:
- Straining during bowel movements, often due to constipation or diarrhea.
- Sitting for long periods, especially on the toilet.
- A low-fiber diet, which can lead to hard stools and straining.
- Pregnancy, where the growing fetus increases pressure in the abdomen and hormonal changes cause blood vessels to swell.
- Being overweight or obese.
- Aging, which weakens the tissues supporting the veins.
- Regularly lifting heavy objects.
- Certain hereditary factors that affect blood vessel structure.
Other contributing factors include lack of exercise, chronic cough, pelvic floor dysfunction, and in some cases, anal intercourse. Haemorrhoids are more common between ages 45 to 65 but can occur at any age. These causes lead to swelling and inflammation in veins around the anus, resulting in haemorrhoids.
