Hemorrhoids after pregnancy - #296
Hello, I had this problem during the last trimester of pregnancy when hemorrhoids appeared. My gynecologist prescribed me “Pilex” suppositories, and I went to the hospital as scheduled, but they didn’t help. After delivery, everything seemed fine, but the problem persisted. When I went back to the gynecologist, she prescribed the same “Pilex” suppositories again because I was breastfeeding. However, there have been no improvements, and now it’s been 7 months since delivery. I breastfed for 6 months, and no other treatment apart from “Pilex” was recommended. Recently, they prescribed me “Himalaya’s Anu Taila” suppositories, but there’s still no improvement. What should be done in such cases?
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Hello Ishita, have you gotten yourself from a proctologist? It depends on the degree of hemorrhoids. Grade 3 or 4 might require surgery and lot of diet and lifestyle intervention.
Hemorrhoids post-pregnancy are quite common due to increased pressure during pregnancy and delivery, but when they persist, it’s essential to adopt a more comprehensive Ayurvedic treatment plan. Along with the Pilex and Anu Taila you’ve been using, adding internal herbal formulations can support healing. Triphala Guggulu and Abhayarishta are commonly prescribed for regulating bowel movements and reducing inflammation in hemorrhoids. Kutajarishta is another effective remedy that helps manage bleeding hemorrhoids. Applying Jatyadi Taila or Kasisadi Taila externally can provide relief from pain and swelling.
In addition, ensure you maintain a high-fiber diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to prevent constipation. Drink plenty of warm water throughout the day, and avoid spicy and fried foods. Practicing sitz baths with lukewarm water infused with Triphala or rock salt can help soothe the area and promote healing. Gentle yoga postures like Malasana (Garland Pose) can improve circulation in the pelvic area and reduce pressure on the hemorrhoids. Since you have stopped breastfeeding, stronger treatments like Kanchanar Guggulu can be considered to shrink the hemorrhoidal tissues.
Alright, dealing with hemorrhoids post-pregnancy can be really frustrating. Seems like your body hasn’t settled back yet, and just continuing the same treatments might not be enough. Let’s dive a little into Ayurveda’s approach for such things.
First, think about your diet - cause that plays a big role here. Adding fiber-rich foods will be crucial. Start with simple things like whole grains, vegetables like leafy greens, fibers like isabgol (psyllium husk), or triphala powder at bedtime mixed in warm water. These help smoothen and regulate your bowel movements, keeping the pressure off affected areas. Oh, and don’t forget to drink plenty of water!
Lifestyle is key too. Try to avoid sitting for too long at a stretch. Maybe, every hour take a little walk or do some gentle stretching. Yoga postures like legs up the wall (Viparita Karani) or even just deep breathing could do wonders. Focus on calming your overall stress levels. Stress, believe it or not, messes with your digestion.
Externally, sitz baths can help ease discomfort. You could add a decoction made from Triphala or just warm water with a bit of turmeric. Sit in it for about 10-15 minutes daily. It helps soothe that area naturally.
Also, consider if your dosha is acting up. If you feel heat and inflammation, Pitta might be high. Cold compresses or applying soothing coconut or castor oil can help calm things down. If things feel heavy and clogged, it might be a Kapha imbalance, so spicy foods (within reason!) might help.
Those Anu Taila suppositories you mentioned could be meant for lubrication… But maybe what you really need is something that internally aligns. I recommend talking to an Ayurvedic specialist who can work directly with your postpartum needs.
Lastly, though, ‘if it hurts a lot or bleeds, it might be time to look into more advanced medical treatments, specially if Ayurveda’s gentle methods aren’t cutting it. A mix of both worlds can sometimes be the best solution!

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