Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are caused mainly from constipation, pregnancy and obesity. When a person has trouble having a bowel movement, for example, they may push stools harder than usual, exerting pressure on the veins in the anal region. These veins also sustain greater pressure during pregnancy and childbirth, or when a person is overweight.

Hemorrhoids are always internal to start with; they are located above the anal sphincter and are not perceptible from the outside. However, they may become external through exertion during bowel movements.

External hemorrhoids are located on the outside of the anal sphincter and are therefore perfectly visible. This type of hemorrhoid is frequently caused from pushing.

Typical signs:

• Itching around the anus
  
• Irritation during bowel movements and occasional, slight bleeding
  
• Loss of liquids during or after bowel movements
• Difficult bowel movements
• Minor blistering of the anal wall
  

There is no magical trick but certain precautions can be of immense help in preventing hemorrhoids:

• Maintain a balanced, high-fibre diet. Choose whole foods, raw vegetables and fresh fruit.
• Drinks lots of water (one and a half to two litres a day).
• Ensure regular physical activity and try to maintain a healthy weight.
• Adopt healthy bowel movement behaviours: Avoid withholding the urge to go, but also avoid excessive pushing.
• Avoid staying seated on the toilet too long.
• Practise specific hygienic measures. If you are suffering from major irritation, wipe the anal area with toilet paper soaked in water or with a damp, unscented towelette.
  

Horse chestnut seeds (Aesculus hippocastanum) have been used for years in treating circulation disorders, specifically venous problems. Generations of people dealing with hemorrhoids have trusted this remedy, with successful results.

A.Vogel Venaforce Extra, made from horse chestnut seeds, can help you treat hemorrhoids and regain your well-being.

A.Vogel Venaforce extra tablets are Gastro-resistant. This means that the tablet is specially coated and won't break down in the stomach (where it could potentially be irritating due to its constituents) but in the small intestine where it won't have an irritating effect.

Don't assume rectal bleeding is due to hemorrhoids, especially if you are over 40 years old. It's also a symptom of colon polyps, colitis, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, and colorectal cancer. Anal fissures can also cause pain and bleeding.

If your hemorrhoids are very painful or aren't getting better after you've tried treating them yourself, let your doctor know.