8 Myths You ve Been Told About Hemorrhoids Everyday Health Menu NewslettersSearch Hemorrhoids 8 Myths You ve Been Told About Hemorrhoids By Mikel TheobaldMedically Reviewed by Judy Mouchawar, MD, MSPH Reviewed: February 3, 2016 Medically Reviewed Myth vs Fact Knowing the facts can help you deal with hemorrhoids better Thinkstock Myth I m the Only One With This Digestive Problem Thinkstock Fact: “Hemorrhoids are very common,” says Myth Only Older People Get Hemorrhoids Thinkstock Fact: People can develop hemorrhoids at any age. “While hemorrhoids are most common between ages 45 and 65, it’s not unusual to see them in younger adults as well,” Dr. Kimbrough says. According to the NIDDK, as people age, the connective tissue between the anus and rectum weakens, making them more susceptible to hemorrhoids. But the NIDDK points out that people of any age can get hemorrhoids — a common cause of hemorrhoids is pressure on the anus from straining associated with Myth Spicy Foods Cause Hemorrhoids Thinkstock Fact: This is false, Kimbrough says: “Hemorrhoids are caused by strain on the veins near the anus. This results from pressure on the blood vessel, not by anything happening in the body’s metabolism.” A report on Myth What You Eat Doesn t Affect Hemorrhoids Thinkstock Fact: Constipation is one of the biggest risk factors for Myth Cold Surfaces Cause Hemorrhoids Thinkstock Fact: “While it hasn’t been studied extensively, there’s no evidence that cold surfaces can cause hemorrhoids,” Kimbrough says. “In fact, a cold compress may be helpful to relieve some of the Myth Exercise Should Be Avoided If You Have Hemorrhoids Thinkstock Fact: “Exercise is actually an important part of avoiding hemorrhoids, with one small exception,” Kimbrough says. “Lifting heavy weights with poor technique — like holding your breath while you lift — can increase the risk of hemorrhoids or make existing hemorrhoids worse." Other than that, regular exercise can help prevent constipation and weight gain and, in turn, reduce the risk of hemorrhoids, he says. Myth Treatment for Hemorrhoids Requires Surgery Thinkstock Fact: It’s unusual to need surgery for hemorrhoids because symptoms generally clear up on their own or with conservative treatment, Kimbrough says. The cornerstones of hemorrhoid treatment are dietary changes and lifestyle modifications, according to the ASCRS. The group says that less than 10 percent of people with hemorrhoids require surgery. “There are several smaller procedures that are easier and quicker than surgery that can be done if the conservative, at-home approaches aren’t working,” Kimbrough says. Myth Hemorrhoids Increase the Risk of Cancer Thinkstock Fact: “There’s no evidence that hemorrhoids increase the risk of cancer,” Kimbrough says. “The only concern with hemorrhoids is that people with a history of hemorrhoids can sometimes be dismissive of having bleeding with bowel movements and miss warning signs." If you’re older than 50 or have someone in your immediate family with a history of Most Recent in Hemorrhoids Study Shows Depression Affects IBD Patients and Their Siblings Gut Check Can Cookie Dough Really Harm Your Gut 5 Natural Ways to Manage Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms Early Research Reveals Key Player in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Digestive Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Hemorrhoids Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy: Causes and Prevention Pregnant women who experience constipation are prone to getting hemorrhoids.By Lindsey KonkelSeptember 16, 2022 Treatment for Hemorrhoids Most hemorrhoids can be treated at home or with simple medical procedures.By Lindsey KonkelSeptember 5, 2022 What Are Hemorrhoids? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and PreventionBy Lindsey KonkelAugust 18, 2020 Hemorrhoid Symptoms and Diagnosis: Internal and External Hemorrhoids Itching, pain, and bleeding in the anal area are common signs of hemorrhoids.By Lindsey KonkelFebruary 21, 2018 Study Shows Depression Affects IBD Patients and Their Siblings New research is the first to show a bidirectional link between inflammatory bowel disease and depression.By Ashley WelchOctober 6, 2022 Gut Check Can Cookie Dough Really Harm Your Gut It’s not just the raw eggs that can make you sick.By Kaitlin SullivanOctober 4, 2022 Early Research Reveals Key Player in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease A 2-part study mostly done in mice revealed that B vitamins may play a role in slowing the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.By Kaitlin SullivanSeptember 23, 2022 Questions You Should Ask Your GI When You're Diagnosed With Crohn'sBy Natalie (Sparacio) HaydenSeptember 22, 2022 Resources for New Moms Living With IBDBy Natalie (Sparacio) HaydenSeptember 16, 2022 Can Medical Marijuana Improve Crohn’s Disease Symptoms? While some evidence suggests that cannabis use may help relieve Crohn’s symptoms, more research is needed to show disease improvement. Here’s what you...By Don RaufSeptember 16, 2022 Wellness inspired Wellness enabled FacebookTwitterInstagramPinterestYoutubeTikTok About Us Careers Editorial Policy Newsletters Meet Our Health Expert Network Privacy Policy Health News Accessibility Statement Terms of Use Contact Us Feedback Do Not Sell My Personal Information Popular Topics AdChoices NEWSLETTERS Get the best in health and wellness SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. A PROPERTY OF EHGLogo More From Everyday Health: Castle Connolly Top Doctors DailyOM Diabetes Daily Everyday Health Care Migraine Again 1996-2022 Everyday Health, Inc. Everyday Health is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. Badges Badges Badges