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Hemorrhoid Pain

Hemorrhoid Pain

Women’s hemorrhoid pain is often linked to life stages like pregnancy, postpartum, or menopause. 


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What Women Need To Know About Hemorrhoid Pain

  • Hemorrhoids are vascular cushions naturally found in the anorectal canal and are not inherently pathological.[1]
  • Swollen, inflamed, or prolapsed hemorrhoids can cause significant discomfort and are often related to increased rectal vein pressure.[2]
  • Pregnancy is a leading cause of hemorrhoids due to increased pelvic pressure and hormonal changes.[3]
  • Chronic constipation and straining during bowel movements are primary contributors to hemorrhoid development. [4]
  • Hemorrhoids are common during perimenopause and menopause due to hormonal fluctuations.[5]
  • Rectal bleeding, pain, and mucus discharge can mimic hemorrhoid symptoms but may indicate other conditions, necessitating thorough medical evaluation.[6]

Women’s hemorrhoid pain can range from mild discomfort to significant distress, often linked to life stages like pregnancy, postpartum, or menopause. Get effective relief with GutsyRx.

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Overview

Hemorrhoids are vascular cushions in the anorectal canal that play a role in stool control. They become problematic when inflamed, swollen, or prolapsed, often causing pain, pressure, and bleeding. Women are particularly susceptible due to unique life stages like pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause, which can increase rectal vein pressure and disrupt pelvic floor function. Hemorrhoids can be classified into internal (graded I-IV) and external types, each requiring distinct management strategies.[7] Post-flare skin tags, a common aftermath of external hemorrhoids, can cause hygiene challenges. [8] Lifestyle modifications like hydration, squatting posture during toileting, and wearing wicking underwear can alleviate symptoms.[9] GutsyRx offers curated ointments and suppositories free from allergens and FODMAPs for safe and effective hemorrhoid relief.

Misdiagnosis is a common issue, as other conditions like anal fissures or infections may present with similar symptoms. Effective treatment begins with proper diagnosis, including an endoscopic retroflexion view of the anorectal junction. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, topical ointments, and suppositories. Lifestyle modifications such as maintaining hydration, adopting a squatting posture during toileting, and wearing moisture-wicking underwear can significantly alleviate symptoms. Additionally, pelvic floor exercises and breathwork can enhance rectal vein circulation. For targeted relief, GutsyRx’s Hemorrhoid Booty Relief Ointment and Happy Booty Multipurpose Ointment provide gentle, soothing care for external symptoms, while Hemorrhoid Booty Relief Suppositories effectively reduce internal inflammation. Although these therapies do not remove prolapsed tissue or external skin tags, they are vital components of a woman’s rectal self-care. For persistent or severe symptoms, procedural options such as rubber band ligation or sclerotherapy and surgical interventions may be considered in consultation with a specialist.

Hemorrhoid Pain Causes

This is a women-centric list of causes of hemorrhoid pain. This list does not encompass all the causes of hemorrhoid pain or represent a differential diagnosis of the cause of hemorrhoid flares.

  • Chronic constipation
  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause
  • Pelvic dysfunction
  • Pregnancy
  • Postpartum recovery
  • Prolonged sitting
  • Rectal vein pressure from exercise
  • Straining during bowel movements
  • Stress-induced pelvic tension

Signs & Symptoms

  • Anal itching
  • Bulging external hemorrhoids
  • Discomfort during bowel movements
  • Feeling of pressure in the rectal area
  • Mucus discharge
  • Painful defecation
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Skin tags post-hemorrhoid flare
  • Swollen lumps around the anus
  • Wiping difficulty

GutsyRx Treatments For Hemorrhoid Pain

GutsyRx provides treatments for hemorrhoid pain to address mild to severe symptoms with lifestyle guidance and personalized prescription ointments and suppositories. Depending on your gut and rectal challenges, we’ll create a compounded prescription (Rx) just for you. Lifestyle guidance during a consultation may include advice on dietary factors, exercise, type of underwear, and optimal toileting habits. The timeline for healing rectal itching is generally four weeks to six months, depending on the severity and cause. All GutsyRx products are free of allergens, dyes, preservatives and irritating FODMAPs.[6]

10 Sources

GutsyRx is committed to providing high-quality, reliable information to support women facing gut and rectal health challenges. Our content is curated and reviewed by women doctors to ensure it is accurate, trustworthy, and relevant. We strive to be a dependable resource, empowering women with the knowledge they need for better gut and rectal health.

  1. Thomson WH. “The nature of haemorrhoids.” Br J Surg. 1975;62(7):542-552.
  2. Loder PB et al. “Haemorrhoids: pathology, pathophysiology, and aetiology.” Br J Surg. 1994;81(7):946-954.
  3. Wald A. “Pregnancy, labor, and delivery: effects on the gastrointestinal tract.” Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2003;32(1):309-328.
  4. Riss S et al. “The prevalence of hemorrhoids in adults.” Int J Colorectal Dis. 2012;27(2):215-220.
  5. Altomare DF, Giannini I. “Pharmacological treatment of haemorrhoids: a narrative review.” Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2013;14(17):2343-2350.
  6. Lohsiriwat V. “Hemorrhoids: from basic pathophysiology to clinical management.” World J Gastroenterol. 2012;18(17):2009-2017.
  7. Madoff RD, Fleshman JW. “American Gastroenterological Association technical review on the diagnosis and treatment of hemorrhoids.” Gastroenterology. 2004;126(5):1463-1473.
  8. Hollingshead JR, Phillips RK. “Haemorrhoids: modern diagnosis and treatment.” Postgrad Med J. 2016;92(1086):4-8.
  9. Riss S et al. “The impact of fiber on anorectal disorders.” Colorectal Dis. 2012;14(8):e468-e474.
  10. Bleday R et al. “Clinical practice guidelines for the management of hemorrhoids.” Dis Colon Rectum. 2015;58(7):623-631.

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