Avoid the 'Rhoids

For gay and bi guys taking good care of our asses is very important. One troublesome thing that can crop up, especially if you're over 30 years old, is hemorrhoids. When you take a shit the tissue around and inside your anus fills with blood to make it pass easier. Hemorrhoids are caused when veins in this tissue swell and stretch. This can be caused by excessive pressure from trying to shove one out too hard, or from constipation or diarrhea. 'Rhoids are diagnosed by a doctor through a physical exam. There are two types, external and internal.

External hemorrhoids are (obviously) outside of the ass, and internal are inside. Sometimes internal can pop out during a bowel movement and either go back in on their own, or can be pushed in with a finger. Internal can be more painful if they stick out all the time and are strained by taking a shit. They can also cause rectal bleeding. Symptoms for external 'rhoids can include itching, burning and irritation. There may be blood on the toilet paper, and it can be hard to wipe up afterwards.

External hemorrhoids can be treated at home by sitting in warm water (sitz bath), increasing fiber and water in your diet, and using stool softeners. Internal can be treated in the same way, but if they are severed more drastic measures may be needed, including using rubber bands to tie off the 'rhoid, scarring the tissue around them, injecting them with chemicals, or having them surgically removed. Consult your doctor on the best way to deal with it. Most of the time you just have to ride it out. Pain and irritation should stop within 2-3 weeks, although it may take months for the swelling to go down.

Topical creams such as Preparation-H will relieve the itching and irritation of a hemorrhoid. 'Rhoids can be avoided by maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a fiber-rich diet, including fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods, lots of water, and regular exercise.

BACK