Vaginal Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

In this article you will learn the facts about viginal hemorhoids. By the end of the article you will understand a lot more about it and what to do next.

The term vaginal hemorrhoids sounds frightening, and really the definition of vaginal hemorrhoids is not at all what it might sound like.  In a literal sense, that is, vaginal hemorrhoids do not actually exist. 

However, during pregnancy, things can happen in the uterus that causes hemorrhoids to form.  Vaginal hemorrhoids are commonly misidentified ailments, and really have no relation to actual hemorrhoid formations at all.

Defining Vaginal Hemorrhoids – Mistaken Classification

Hemorrhoids are veins that have become engorged or varicose when they fill with blood.  The veins are located outside the rectum, along the rim of the rectal opening, and inside the rectal cavity on the rectal walls. 

When someone raises a question about vaginal hemorrhoids during pregnancy, they are really questioning the appearance of swollen formations in the vaginal region, and they are not referring to actual hemorrhoid formations. 

On occasion, a pregnant female will experience itchiness in the anorectal or anogenital region too, especially if hemorrhoids are present in or around the rectal region; this can cause confusion in some females and make them falsely assume that they have developed vaginal hemorrhoids.

Additionally, since blood flow is increase in the region of the uterus and vagina during pregnancy, this increased blood flow can actually intensify the pressure in the pelvic area. 

The increased pressure from blood flow in conjunction with additional pressure added on the pelvic area due to the growth of a baby inside the uterus can lead to the development of real hemorrhoids.  Further, some pregnant women can experience a condition identified as Rectoceles: this condition arises when the rectum’s front wall bulges from hemorrhoid formations into the vaginal area. 

Some hemorrhoids forming in or around the anus become so engorged with blood and large that it may appear that they are coming from the vaginal opening.  This is not the case however.  The vagina’s close proximity to the anorectal region can definitely lead to mistaken identification of traditional hemorrhoidal formations as being formations originating from the vaginal opening.

Treatment for Vaginal Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

Witch Hazel Applications & Medicated Pads:  When you suffer from vaginal hemorrhoids, you can buy medicated pads containing Witch Hazel and use them to keep the anorectal area clean.  Doing so ensures that there is less irritation in the anorectal region, and the Witch Hazel helps in reducing pain, irritation, and inflammation.  If you have a bottle of Witch Hazel on hand, you can also use cotton balls to dab the astringent onto the hemorrhoidal formations.

Regular Sitz Baths: You can start a Sitz bath by running some warm water in a tub.  You can add Epsom salt to the water.  You need to sit in the water for at least fifteen to twenty minutes to get the full effect of the treatment.  Warm water stimulates the circulatory processes in the anorectal area and it can help to relax spasmodic muscles.  The Epsom Salts, if added, can help you to fully relax. 

If you do not have Epsom Salt immediately on hand, you can also consider adding some baking soda to the bath water.  Epsom Salt or baking soda helps to diminish the potential for developing blood clots; helps reduce the effects of bleeding hemorrhoids; improves circulatory processes, and it relieves both stress and physical pain.  You can take several Sitz baths each day to deal with painful hemorrhoids, until your symptoms are alleviated.

Dietary Changes:  To prevent and control hemorrhoidal conditions, it is necessary for a female to keep her bowels from becoming irregular.  To do this, it may be necessary for the female to take a daily fiber supplement or to add high fiber containing foods to her diet.

Things to Avoid When Dealing with Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

Herbal Solutions:  There are many different herbal solutions that prove beneficial when dealing with piles.  However, these solutions are not recommended for women that are pregnant or females that are currently breast feeding. 

First - many herbs have not been fully tested to determine if they will have a detrimental effect on an unborn child. 

Second - herbal remedies, when taken by a nursing mother, can be transmitted to the child via the breast milk.  If you are pregnant avoid herbal solutions all together and seek out alternative methods for dealing with piles.

Unapproved Medications:  If you are pregnant or you are a nursing female, always talk to your physician before you take over the counter treatments for hemorrhoids.   It is far better to be completely safe about the decisions you make in terms of the medications you use, and your doctor can advise you about potential dangers and/or interactions.

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