Hemorrhoids, those bulging, irritated veins and tissues in the anus, are a common medical nuisance. Though not usually dangerous, hemorrhoids can be acutely painful and restrict a person’s activities and enjoyment of life’s basic pleasures.
Many physicians now think that the primary cause of hemorrhoids is excessive pressure within the abdominal and pelvic cavities. The pelvic cavity is supported by a muscle partition called the pelvic floor, which includes the pubococcygeus and levator ani muscles.
People free of hemorrhoids typically have good pelvic muscle and tissue tone, circulation, normal-sized anal veins, adequate muscular strength and squeeze capacity. A breakdown in any of these areas can lead to hemorrhoids.
Things that cause excessive stress on the pelvic floor muscles include: straining to lift heavy objects without proper abdominal and back support; straining at toilet with either diarrhea or constipation; prolonged sitting or standing; obesity; hereditary tendency to weak connective tissues; chronic cough; pregnancy; vaginal childbirth; and, of course, the natural aging process.
If you’re experiencing the pain, itching and bleeding of hemorrhoids, you can act now to build up your anorectal region. Regular exercise of the pelvic floor muscles improves muscle tone and blood flow, which will bring you relief.
As with any muscle system, the anorectal group responds very well to physical training such as Kegel maneuvers. The difficulty many people have with exercising their pelvic floor, however, is that the muscles can be hard to locate. Maintaining consistent squeezing is also a challenge for people who aren’t used to consciously working their pelvic floor. Women have their Kegelcizers, FemTone weights, and other vaginal devices, which really help isolate and work the specific muscles that aid in supporting the pelvic and abdominal cavity. And everyone by now knows the benefits of these exercises: reduced hemorrhoids, reduced urinary leakage, less chance of uterine and rectal prolapse, and better sexual response.
But what about the unique physiology of men? Pelvic floor weakness in males often presents not only as hemorrhoids, but as erectile dysfunction and prostate problems also. But like women, men often find it difficult to isolate the correct muscles for a pelvic floor workout. How can men achieve stronger pelvic floor muscles and all the benefits that come with these exercisers?
Since it’s been long known that regular, consistent vaginal Kegel exercises are highly effective in eliminating pelvic floor weakness that can lead to hemorrhoids, it was just a matter of time before specific pieces of equipment were developed to tone and strengthen the anal region. Though targeted at men, devices such as the Peristal, Aneros, Peridise, and others can reap benefits for both men and women.
Anal hemorrhoid massagers such as the ones listed above are scientifically designed to work with your body’s own natural contractions. Every curve and every angle serves a purpose. To use, simply contract and relax the PC sphincter muscles. No more guessing about which muscles to squeeze and which ones to relax. The device will begin to move on its own, massaging the anorectal tissues and promoting circulation. These regular, involuntary contractions can become quite strong. Regular sessions with anal hemorrhoid massagers will firm up the numerous small muscles surrounding and inside the pelvic floor.
Because most people do not consciously exercise their anorectal and pubococcygeus muscles, it is important to start with beginner models. For example, the Peristal is offered in four sizes, sold either individually or as an entire set for the desired long-term results and full muscle training. Beginners should start with the largest model and work their way to smaller models as their muscles become stronger. Starting with the largest model may sound counterintuitive; however, most beginners will not have the fine muscle control needed to retain the smaller models.
As muscle control improves, so does the area’s circulatory capacity. Anal veins are better able to return blood away from the region instead of pooling and causing discomfort. Peristaltic hemorrhoid massage relieves, reduces and prevents worsening of early-stage hemorrhoids, including hemorrhoids that bulge out after a bowel movement but can be pushed back into the anus.
A hemorrhoid that is already permanently prolapsed, or visible outside the anal ring and cannot be manually repositioned should not be treated with an anal hemorrhoid massage device. They are typically also not for use by people whose hemorrhoids are thrombosed or clotted. If severe bleeding and/or pain occurs, do not use.