Don't push!
Pushing during defecation as a lifestyle can lead to hemorrhoids, which are the rupturing or swelling of blood vessels in the area.
More than 75% of Americans will have hemorrhoids at some point in their lives. Part of this is because of our culture of urgency, in which everything must happen now. It is recommended that a person sit and let a bowel movement come naturally.
The absence of fiber in a diet can also cause hardened stool, also possibly increasing hemorrhoid occurrence.
I thought of this as a friend talked to me about his hernia, and I recommended that he not do any strenuous pushing. I wish that this was a fact taught in schools and known by the mainstream. Why don't they teach these important things in schools? Such simple solutions or helps.
My work in healthcare exposes me to interesting cases, seeing rectal prolapse, polyps, and variations in individuals and medical conditions and heredities. Growing up in a medical household, I browsed anatomy diagrams from a young age, showing profound abnormalities in pictures. While initially repelled somewhat, it was something that also intrigued me. Curiosity for what's beneath our skin, and the beauty of the human system is a recurring theme.
The above diagram, for example, reveals that the descending colon is on the LEFT. In hospitals we encourage bed-bound patients who need to encourage a bowel movement to lay on their left side, assisting the natural curvature and flow.
My mind also asks questions, like, is there an increased risk of rectal prolapse in gay men who have a lot of rectal sex? How is the anal sphincter affected in the long term with certain kinds of activities? Does the use of lubricants and gentle relaxation exercises with toys - like incremental dildos - decrease the incidence of problems?
Greater research in the areas of our populations and sub-populations is needed. Still, much is known that can be helpful.
