General Cycling Discussion - Hemorrhoids

Can riding on a hard seat give you hemorrhoids. I have been getting pain in that region and I am thinking of going to a doctor. Will he say to stop riding?

I'm not sure if a hard seat will cause them or not, but at times I have found a split seat to be more comfortable.

cut down on the chili & eat more vegetables...

Try preparation H.

Proctalgia can have many causes, hemorrhoids being
one of the more common, but for bicycle riders skin
irritation from friction, pressure and possibly infection
are equally likely. Hemorrhoids are inflamed sometimes
thrombosed varicose veins at the anal fringe and bike
riding is an unlikely cause for this (never say never).
Steve

Probably saddle sores - clean your shorts often and change and shower asap after a ride. I found a great way to fight the saddle sore was to wear loose pants or shorts after a ride (and shower) sans underwear - but if you must, use boxers.

No,
he won't tell you to stop riding. See your Doc, start eating better (more fruits 'n veggies (think salad). What do you have for a bicycle seat?

Thanks I think I need some more fiber.

More fiber, but maybe the riding too?

I had a horrible case of hemorrhoids when I first started riding- I think I was too enthusiastic. I was just doing too much too soon. I was in a good deal of pain, and it didn't help to keep riding. Once I stopped riding and started treating it, the problem went away.

Drop me a PM if you are having problems with them, and I can give you some of the regime I had to do to cure my flare up.

Koffee

Try preparation H.

What is preparation H?

As someone who is prone to both, piles and Anus irritations, cycle induced or not? I am always interested in ways to aleviate the problem.

Biking can cause hemmoroids if you valsalva alot (hold breath and push ) and this increases the intrabdominal pressure which can indirectly increase the hemmarhoids which are nothing but varcosities of the rectal venous circulation. But go see your doc because it could be a number of other things as everyone has mentioned.

First, figure out what you have. It may be just a saddle sore but could be an external 'roid or fissure.

Not to joke but a roid can be a major pain... I got my first this summer. It wasnt ride induced but it kept me off the bike for 2 weeks. If you do have an external one the best advice is to lube, lube and lube some more. Feels odd but better than the pain.

Willic,
preparation H is a roid creme, it lubes and helps to reduce swelling. I found it quite necessary.
good luck

all this talk is making me itch- u know where!

What is preparation H?

As someone who is prone to both, piles and Anus irritations, cycle induced or not? I am always interested in ways to aleviate the problem.

It is an over the counter hemoriodal itch ointment here in the US.

A friend of the family just had surgery to remove/repair his hemorrhoids. Afterwards, he was in real bad pain. Although we made fun of him, I don't wish that on anyone and I would think twice before riding myself into hemorrhoid surgery.

I came down with my first case about a year or so ago.. THe first few days I was not comfortable sitting.. standing virtualy anything.. cycling was not bad though.. Of course I had badly constipated for almost a week that was the worst part.. after 3-4 days.. I could not ride.. I could not really do anything..

Update spoke to the pharmacist and she prescribed Sheriproct ovules. Yup you have to stick it up your but, tonight was the first time I stuck anything up my butt it was the worst. Anyway she said it should go away in a couple days so I cross my fingers and wait...

I had some earlier this year. Took a trip to the doctor. After she took care of them and gave me a Rx, I asked her if it was caused from all the cycling I do. She said the chances of that were extermely small. She said it was more than likely caused from sitting on the pot too long. She bascially told me to do my business as quickly as possible and get off the pot and go ride. :D

The other issue is to make sure you keep yourself clean back there. Shower after every ride and never wear cycling shorts/bibs that aren't clean. Using butt butter or chamois creme is also a good idea.

I woke up feeling ok but after riding for 1 hour I had to stop from pain. Where can I get lube or what brands should I look for.

I woke up feeling ok but after riding for 1 hour I had to stop from pain. Where can I get lube or what brands should I look for.
I use the Assos chamios cream. You can get it online. I have found it at a local bike shop also, but when they run out it takes them like a month to get it back into stock, so I just buy two at a time, which last me about a year.

World Cycling Productions sells it online:

http://www.worldcycling.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=WCP&Product_Code=ASOM101&Category_Code=BODY

Also, it will take a while for you to totally heal up, so don't over do it at first.

danr, oh no!!!!!!!!!!!!! Guess what I got scheduled for tomorrow --------

I had a really bad flair up early Nov, & was leaving for a week hunting trip into Wy. Prep H just wasn't doing anything. I called Family Dr who prescribed Analpram HC 2.5%. It contains 2.5 % hydrocortisone acetate. Pharmacist told me to be sure to wash off of hands (duh - who wouldn't wash hands after putting it on).
Cream took care of problem quickly and allowed me to enjoy a pleasant trip.

Mid Dec I decided to have it fixed, surgery scheduled for tomorrow.
How much Bike affected/caused this?? Don't know.

I am not a Dr. nor do I play one on TV but I don't believe that riding causes hemorrhoids. It may irritate them however once they have flared. Hemorrhoids are caused by a number of reasons. Lack of Fiber, too much fatty foods, prolonged periods of sitting or standing, and last but certainly not least genetics.

Some people just get the ornery things no matter what they do. One thing that I have learned is the key and that is to stop focusing on them. It is ok to treat them if there is too much discomfort but don't let it rule your life or kick you off the bike.

Your doc should be the one to have a look and tell you for sure but I can tell you from experience that they are like kids. Once you have them you likely have them forever. :D Just don't let them take control of you.

danr, oh no!!!!!!!!!!!!! Guess what I got scheduled for tomorrow --------

I had a really bad flair up early Nov, & was leaving for a week hunting trip into Wy. Prep H just wasn't doing anything. I called Family Dr who prescribed Analpram HC 2.5%. It contains 2.5 % hydrocortisone acetate. Pharmacist told me to be sure to wash off of hands (duh - who wouldn't wash hands after putting it on).
Cream took care of problem quickly and allowed me to enjoy a pleasant trip.

Mid Dec I decided to have it fixed, surgery scheduled for tomorrow.
How much Bike affected/caused this?? Don't know.

I dont think riding caused it but it sure made it worse. Anon rider could care less with a slight case of H but a rider spend his time on the seat and it has to be comfy. If this thing dosent heel permanently I will have surgery to fix it like I did with my eyes. Too many injuries have stopped my training before so if this continues thats it... Baron let me know how your surgery goes.

This is maybe just me... But I avoid Dairy Products, I`ve Learnt by the test of time and painfull experience that the likes of Cheeses, Milk and creams course a painfull flare up so I avoid those kind of products as much as possible....

This whole topic stinks! :p :D

I had an anal fissure in the early 90's and refused treatment for nearly a year because I just knew it would result in surgery-which I don't like(who does, right?)and after a year of bleeding like a leaky facet everytime I went to the bathroom(no. 2, ya know)I finally gave in and went to The Man.

Of course the only course of action was surgery! Figures. You just know you're in for something bad when you get on the operating table laying face down. Woke up with zero pain. Then they removed the surgical packing in my Whoopsy Daisey and I saw Gandhi, Malcolm X, the Dali Lama, Bruce Lee and JFK all standing by my bed I was in so much pain. I'm talking the kind of pain that makes you hallucinate, the kind of pain that can make you speak in tongues like Robert DeNiro in the final scene in Cape Fear.

However what was even worse was after I started healing-about 2 weeks later-I started having these spasms back there... I called them Butt Flinchers. Gawd, they were MUCH worse than my pain one day post-op. I'd be sitting, minding my own business and all of a sudden the muscles around my you-know-what would start spasming for like 5 minutes... red hot pain!!

This has nothing to do with H-Roids per se but(hehehe, he said "but")it's the same general region so I thought I'd share the unhappy details.

Did the surgery give you relief I am literally ****ting bricks

Can riding on a hard seat give you hemorrhoids. I have been getting pain in that region and I am thinking of going to a doctor. Will he say to stop riding?

no and yes he will , but only for a week or two unless you need surgery .

Phew - - - Dr changed his mind after taking a second look and opted a recommendation for 'rubber band surgery". Of course I said yes. Guess time will tell, very uncomfortable but I'll make it.

Istanbul_Tea writes"-I started having these spasms back there... I called them Butt Flinchers. Gawd, they were MUCH worse than my pain one day post-op."
Agreed, I have these regularly. Dr prescribed 'Xylocaine' .Takes a few minutes and relaxes the spasms.

Both Dr's preached Fiber, Fiber, Fiber. Dr Friday said it wasn't due to bike riding. But still take it easy and take hot 'sits' bath's.

Take care -----

Dang, I sure did forget, Saso- sit in an Epsom salt bath- in warm water. I was told that it would also help, and it did. You can add that to the to-do list of stuff I sent over to you.

Koffee

Things have eased up a lot, I just get a little tingling (want to scratch) in the bum. I am using Preph sheriproct and protoson( steriod based antobiotic). I am riding a few more days and see how it goes before I go to the doctor. Lubing up with prep h was the best idea though.

Thanks Kof

going to revive this thread and ask:

riding while going though an episode okay or a really bad idea?

Riding will not cause hemorroids, but will certainly aggravate them. To deal with the problem do two things - avoid internal and external irritation.

Internal irritation is normally caused by eating roughage (popcorn, nuts, etc.). Deal with this by using a stool softener after each meal. Metamucil is a dandy one because it is made of psyllium seeds that not only provide bulk but also leach fat from your system.

External irritation is normally caused by excess scrubbing after bowel movements. Deal with this by shaving the external areas and doing less scrubbing.

Between these fixes, you'll be able to ride pain-free.

This is maybe just me... But I avoid Dairy Products, I`ve Learnt by the test of time and painfull experience that the likes of Cheeses, Milk and creams course a painfull flare up so I avoid those kind of products as much as possible....

Sounds like you're lactose intolerant. Try taking acidophilous and see if it helps! It did for me.

Must be the season - second time I've written this in a week...

Okay, so here's the deal.

Exercise in general is good at keeping you regular. But, there are a few things related to cycling that can cause issues.

First, you probably should push big gears (hard effort, slow cadence) while you're having an outbreak. Second, if the hemorrhoids are prolapsed (ie protruding), you will want to reduce them so they don't rub too much. You can do this by gently pushing them back inside while they're lubed.
Finally, getting dehydrated is really bad for the condition. You want lots of water during your ride.

Fruit is very good. Whole grains are very good - they have lots of soluble fiber in them *but* you have to take in enough water when you have them. If you eat a high fiber cereal, the milk doesn't have enough liquid, and you can make things worse. I hae a glass of water right when I get up, a big bowl of high-fiber cereal, then another glass of water.

Note that there is also a delayed effect. If you strain too much, it will cause you problems a few days later.

Some people find relief with steroid-based cremes. I think there's an over-the-counter version that has hydrocortisone, and there are also prescription cremes (cutivate is a good one). These are good but long-term use of steroids has some issues.

Stool softeners (dulcolax) can also make you more comfortable.

There's lots of good info on the various treatments online. Some are simple, some are more... invasive. Note that most narcotics cause constipation, which is a bit of an issue if you need them for the pain.

Finally, you might end up with a fissure, which is really really painful. A good treatment that works for many people is 0.2% nitroglycerin, which relaxes the muscles and allows you to heal. Some people get headaches during.

Riding will not cause hemorroids, but will certainly aggravate them. Depends upon how you use the saddle...

going to revive this thread and ask:

riding while going though an episode okay or a really bad idea?

Well, I'm going through my first episode and I'm not changing my commuting habits a bit.

To keep my bike shorts clean, I have been raiding my wife's box of...uh...you know...:D

Depends upon how you use the saddle...

EEEEEUUUUUUUUUUUUUOWWWW! :rolleyes:

I found that cycling was more comfortable than walking when I had some minor hemmaroids. The hard saddle pushed my butt cheeks apart, relieving some pressure. Softer saddles would be bad news. They went away of their own accord but Im careful not to push or strain too hard.

going to revive this thread and ask:

riding while going though an episode okay or a really bad idea?

I do, but mine are connected to my endometriosis, and there ain't no way I'm going off my bike for 7-10 days a month! Just be careful. Ever post on a horse? If so, those techniques help some.

dunno if this has been mentioned but you can use vaseline...

I'm a vet of a fissure and roids, I had surgery for a fissure after about two years of pain, pain so bad it made me want to vomit, I've been great since the surgery.
As for roids and or fissure, the best thing I've read here is fiber, fiber, fiber.....take metamucil, and eat prunes, no strain, no pain. Nothing like a two flush, no wipe dump to keep things in order.
Prunes are some kind of natural stool softner and work wonders, I eat a handful every day.
I have also found that riding helps, not the fact that you are sitting on a tiny hard seat, but the fact that I am active, being active helps with being regular, being regular keeps you from staining.

To keep my bike shorts clean, I have been raiding my wife's box of...uh...you know...

I've been kind of thinking about doing something like that. I don't have hemroids, but I've been dealing with a boil all week. It's right on the crease where the leg meets the bun. No, it could happen an inch above or below the line. It had to go right on the fold so every time I move my leg I'll know it's there. Anyways I'm figuring it'll burst this weekend and I'll have to come up with some way of dealing with the spooge. Maybe those things with the wings would work.

i've decided to just keep riding, but cutting down just a little. take a day off when i might not normally.

In addition to everything else you have had suggested, make sure you are getting enough water evenly throughout the day, especially if you start eating more fiber of any kind.

What is preparation H?



And as a sidebar, what happened to the folks that guinea pigged Preparation A through G?

This is such a long thread I didn't have time to read it all so excuse if this is repetitive.

I used to get em real bad. REAL BLOODY BAD. So did my brother. Once we figured out the fiber thing, generic Metamucil, not a problem since. I never miss a daily dose. Cycling has never been a problem. And Prep H is worthless!

I've been kind of thinking about doing something like that. I don't have hemroids, but I've been dealing with a boil all week. It's right on the crease where the leg meets the bun. No, it could happen an inch above or below the line. It had to go right on the fold so every time I move my leg I'll know it's there. Anyways I'm figuring it'll burst this weekend and I'll have to come up with some way of dealing with the spooge. Maybe those things with the wings would work.

Watch out for the scented ones. Sometimes they are disguised as "odor absorbent" on the package. If you burst with perfumes you-know-where, it's going to be hell.

And Prep H is worthless!

i've just been using a knockoff drugstore brand it's actually been rather good to me.. so individual results may vary i suppose

Can riding on a hard seat give you hemorrhoids.

My gut reaction to this was "no". Then I read the thread and found that a lot of cyclists seem to have experienced them. Is it the result of cycling after all? Or it is just so common that "everybody" gets them and they will invariably snag some cyclists?

The only people I've ever known to get them were people who put on some extra weight and kept it around for a while, myself included. I wasn't cycling at the time, nor could I have even imagined cycling with "the piles". Unless I had speakers on the bike in which I could play a horror movie soundtrack with a bunch of shrieking violins. Kudos for your tenacity.

My doctor told me that sometimes it's just genetic. My dad had them when he was in his 20's along with varicose veins, and he was very athletic in that tall, skinny, swimmer/runner sort of way. His short, curvy sister who never had children got them, too. My brother and I have them, and it started young for us, too. Thanks to my dad, we've always focused on fiber in our diets, so I don't think it's that. I don't think western-style seating helps much, either.

I also am surprised at how many people on this forum are sharing their experiences. It's not really a subject for polite chitchat, is it? Maybe that's why seems a lot of cyclists experience them. I think more people than commonly believed have them. They just don't bring it up.