BrenZan

Didn't know which subforum was most appropriate for this question, but here goes

My mom likes to bike and would bike every day to work if she could - however, she has a pretty bad hemorrhoid problem, and the ride isn't all that short (for a very casual and older cyclist), which aggravates her symptoms. She's been using my sister's bike (cheap Canadian Tire women's mtb), which has a bit of a hard seat which definitely does not help. I've been considering getting her one of those fat and wide comfort seats, but I'm not sure how effective that would be. What seat should I get if I'm to do that?

I was wondering if anyone here has the same problem, and what you guys do to nullify it (aside from cream)? Thanks!

Polaris OBark

If it were me (or my mom) I would address the problem first and then worry about the bike (i.e., stay off until resolved). Often this is a consequence of poor diet, and lack of fiber in particular. For severe cases, there are surgical approaches.

In general, bicycle saddles that are wide and padded create more problems than they solve.

Mojo31

If it were me, I would not be disclosing that information about my mom in a public forum.

BrenZan

Oh huh, I'm pretty ignorant on this matter - first I'm hearing about it. What's wrong with them?

At any rate yeah there's probably more she could be doing on her end, could bug her about it - she's sworn off surgery, though

It's just hemorrhoids man

Iride01 

Has your Mom gone to a proctologist? I know of one person that found a proctologist that was also a surgeon and had all her problematic hemorrhoid's removed and has had no issues ever since. The first few GI and other doctors she went to had no solution for her and investigated everything but her hemorrhoids. However she finally found a doctor that knew what needed to be done. Took about four years to find him though.

Chuck M 

As with most medical issues that come up on forums all over the internet, probably even medical forums, she should seek a medical professional's care. I am not a medical professional but I can almost guarantee her problem isn't caused by cycling and it won't go away by making amendments to her bike, distance or fit. Fiber, hydration, stool softeners and dietary changes are probably in order. And not to be making a bad joke of it, but this is certainly not one of those things we could tell more by looking at pictures.

Pinelander

Been there. Surgery. It's simple and can be done during a colonoscopy. I wish I did it sooner. I feel your mom's pain.
Does she know that we all now know!?!

Arthur Peabody

I've never found bicycle riding to exacerbate hemorrhoids. Where they are isn't where a butt contacts a 'regular' bicycle saddle. The padded saddles make it worse because they contact almost every part.

I eat more than 3 pounds of fresh vegetables and fruit every day (I'm a vegan), make my own bread, have recently added psyllium seed husks, drink at least 2 liters of water. I walk at least 3 miles every day. Why I have them - it's a mystery. I'm 68.

They're dynamic: something makes them happen. A physician can treat them (never had it done) but if the causes persist they will come back. Hippocrates prescribed hot pokers, encouraged the victim (er - patient) to scream because that will make them more prominent.

BrenZan

Thanks all for the replies, will definitely bug her to talk to a professional about it/make the necessary adjustments! If only it were so easy as a seat change LOL

Any words of comfort from your experience to help persuade her? She's probably worried about pain after the fact

MarcusT

They design saddles for people with prostate problems. I would think they are applicable for hemorrhoid sufferers.

XxHaimBondxX

Get her a bidet, it calms hemorrhoid's. message me for more info...

10 Wheels

Get them removed. Best thing I ever did.

tomato coupe

That obviously depends on the severity, doesn’t it?

Pinelander

I don't profess to be a rectal expert, although I've been known to be an a-hole. You're right about severity. It's something that you should discuss with your doctor. All I can relate is my experience, which was not painful. Done in conjunction with a routine colonoscopy, I didn't really notice much difference immediately afterward. Long term it was a major improvement in quality of life.

gringomojado

why not?
\gm

rsbob 

The title says f this thread reminded me of a group with matching jerseys riding the Seattle to Portland classic. The jerseys said, The Hemoriders

Charlie Ky

I have the same issue. First I'd recommend she take two or three tablespoons of whole husk psyllium fiber. One teaspoon with water at a time between meals. Also eat foods with soluble fiber. I started doing that after some research and after 3 or 4 days my rhoids calmed down. Before I started getting all that fiber it was a vicious cycle. Not fun.

When I started riding a bike they acted up a bit for the first week but then all was well.

Bottom line, have a surgeon deal with them for you or up your intake of soluble fiber ... for life.

A wide cushioned saddle with a padded saddle cover really helps as well.

Flip Flop Rider

maybe a noseless saddle?

tomato coupe

I don't think the nose of a saddle is the problem ... unless it's mounted backwards.

Arthur Peabody

'Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Hemorrhoids'

A good summary in the NY Times
'everyone is born with hemorrhoidal tissue; blood vessels that line the anus have a useful job: They help us sense what's in the rectum, Dr. Cima said. They're the reason that you can (usually) tell whether the pressure you're feeling down below is gas or diarrhea or a normal bowel movement. Hemorrhoids also help to form a seal within the anus that keeps it closed, kind of like weather stripping on a door, Dr. Cima explained.'

'He highlighted bicycle riding as a particular problem, since it puts lots of pressure on the perineum, the area between the anus and the scrotum or vulva.'

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/11/w...treatment.html

CliffordK

I had a problem hemorrhoid about 20 years ago. It never bothered me with bicycling, but it would pop out with BMs and had to be pushed back in.

Anyway, there are 2 procedures for hemorrhoids. The internal ones are often treated with rubber bands as a simple outpatient procedure, even at some GP offices.

The external ones are removed with surgery under sedation (essentially being out).

I ended up doing surgery. Recovery was quick and not bad. Perhaps a day or two. I was given a pile of pain meds, but I didn't need them.

I'm not quite sure how much surgery they actually did... "cleaned out". I had issues with stools being a little soft for a couple or years before they returned to normal. The skin around the anus is a little tender and does best if washed after BMs.

Nonetheless, I can ride my bike for over 100 miles a day without any hemorrhoid related issues. And no other symptoms.

BrenZan

Weird, most of her diet is vegetables.. though I guess not all vegetables have high amounts of soluble fibre

Will definitely try out another saddle for sure, thanks!

Appreciate your experience, I'll relay that to her

CheGiantForLife

I once woke up with a searing pain the felt like a pimple on my butthole.
I was scared to poo and when I did, I shed tears.
I was debilitated for a few hours until I sat in the tub.
By evening I was mostly ok, and it was normal by 24 hours.
Was this a hemorrhoid?

tomato coupe

No, it was likely just the result of pulling too many “facts” and opinions out of yer azz.

Highcad

Why not? Did he give out her name?