Can riding a bike cause hemorrhoids for anyone? This is among the common questions that people ask whenever they want to exercise using training bikes. Many people think that this machine triggers this condition. If you are among the people who fear riding a bike thinking it causes hemorrhoids, I have a solution for you. But if you are also hearing about this condition for the first time, read below to find out more.
Can riding a bike cause hemorrhoids?
The answer is no. Most people link riding a bike with hemorrhoids. But that’s not true. Riding a bike does not cause hemorrhoids. However, it is likely to worsen them if you have them. It appears obvious that sitting on a bike seat that is a bit hard for a long time when you have hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable. This is because the friction that comes with repeated movement while rubbing near the anus it doesn’t feel good on swelled-up hemorrhoids. However, if you stop cycling, the hemorrhoids may disappear after a few days.
So, if you frequently use an exercise bike to work out indoors, you will have to stop for the hemorrhoids to heal. Can riding a bike cause hemorrhoids? The answer is no.
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swellings of the blood vessels just about the rectum and anus. Swollen hemorrhoids are also referred to as piles. At times, the blood vessels’ walls extend so thin causing the veins to protrude and become irritated particularly when you poop. Most individuals are able live with them minus any manifestation. “Nearly three out of four adults will have hemorrhoids from time to time. Hemorrhoids have a number of causes, but often the cause is unknown.” this is according to Mayo Clinic.
While they are unusually dangerous, they are among the causes of rectal bleeding. However, you should consider seeing a doctor to ensure your situation is not worse. According to experts, hemorrhoids usually disappear on their own. If you can’t use a bike, try some cardio exercise. However, getting treatment may be helpful.
What causes hemorrhoids?
There are different things that could lead to you having hemorrhoids. Here are some of them;
- If any members of your family have this condition
- Being obese
- Repeated straining during a bowel movement
- Having anal intercourse
- Sitting for a prolonged period of time on the toilet
- Consuming a low-fiber food
- Being expectant. This is because of an increase in pelvic pressure which could result in swelling of blood vessels.
- Having persistent constipation or diarrhea
- Weightlifting
These are some of the things that cause hemorrhoids. But what is the association between exercising with a bike and hemorrhoids? Can riding a bike give you hemorrhoids? lET’
What is the connection between exercising on a bike and hemorrhoids?
There are so many ways to keep fit. One of them is to exercise indoors using an exercise bike. The easiest is to get a stationary exercise bike with 300 lb if you are heavy. I want to help you avoid asking can riding a bike cause hemorrhoids every time your trainer or doctor. As we mentioned earlier, your pre-existing hemorrhoids situation could worsen if you ride a bike. Riding an exercise bike cannot cause hemorrhoids. Therefore, if you don’t have this condition, you will not develop it by riding an exercise bike or a road bike.
If you are biking and your seat is not comfortable, you will irritate the hemorrhoids. This could result in the pressure build-up which could, in turn, cause a limited supply of blood around the buttocks region. When exercising on a bike, there is much friction
How to handle hemorrhoids while exercising
While you may think that it’s not good to use an exercise bike when you have hemorrhoids, exercising might help ease the pain. But it is through the steps I’m going to share below. Instead of asking can riding a bike cause hemorrhoids? you should start asking is exercising on a stationary bike can help relieve this condition. The best method to avoid aggravating the condition is to treat hemorrhoids before and after the ride
Treating your hemorrhoids before you or start your ride can help to lessen the pain. Here are some of the things that you can do to lessen the pain ahead of the ride and after that. So, does riding bicycles cause hemorrhoids? The answer is no. Here is how to handle hemorrhoids while exercising:
- Soak the part using warm water
Before you go to exercise on your bike, ensure that you soak the affected part using warm water. Not only will this allow for more blood flow but it will also soothe the area. The increased blood flow will help to relieve inflammation and pain and you will, in turn, feel comfortable throughout your workout period.
- Spread corticosteroid creams on the area
Applying such creams will help ease the itching that might come as a result of exercising. You can get these creams from your nearest store. apart from preventing itching, they also ease inflammation. Therefore, you will not experience bleeding while doing workouts on a bike since you won’t irritate the hemorrhoids. In case the pain is unbearable, there are some creams that have lidocaine to anesthetize the area.
- Use padded seats
The best thing you can do when you have this condition is to get the best seats for hemorrhoids. These kinds of seats are padded and thus comfortable. Padded seats prevent friction that could otherwise irritate the hemorrhoids. If you are the one installing the seat on the bike, ensure it adapts to the shape of your buttocks. This will ensure that the seat accommodates your full butt and thus lessening the strain on your bottom area as you work out.
Read also: Do padded bike shorts help with hemorrhoids?
- Use wipes
If you have a baby, this could be an added advantage because such things never miss in the house. But even if you don’t have one, ensure you buy baby wipes so you can cleanse yourself as you exercise to prevent discomfort during the exercising period.
- Wear cotton pants
If you are going to wear underpants, ensure they are made of cotton. These types of shorts help protect you from friction and sweating that could aggravate the condition. Wearing cotton pants keeps you safe and thus you won’t keep asking, can riding a bike cause hemorrhoids for anyone?
- Do not exercise
Riding a bike or working out on a bike should be based on the level of your situation. If they are severe, we suggest you do not ride a bike or exercise. Wait until you are well to start exercising on your bike again.
- Have adequate water near you
Before you start riding, ensure that you have adequate water near you. Having water is important to help you stay hydrated. This is irrespective of whether you have the condition or not. You should at all times have water with you when exercising.
What is the best bike seat for hemorrhoids?
Since we have answered the question; can riding a bike cause hemorrhoids, we want to share some of the best bike seats to use if you have hemorrhoids. Exercise bike seats for hemorrhoids ensure that you are comfortable and that you do not aggravate the situation. Below are some of the bike seats that you should consider getting for your bike.
11in x 11in Exercise Bike Seat
This is one good bike seat that you should consider if you have hemorrhoids and want to go riding soon. The seat is gel-cushioned and thus helps to relieve sores as you enjoy your workout. The seat is large enough to ensure that it covers all your butt so you are comfortable you train. The seat comes with instructions included to ensure that you do not have a hard time installing it on your bike. If you have an uncomfortable and hard bike seat, this is the seat that you should get.
Cloud-9 Support XL Saddle
If you didn’t like the above exercise bike seat, here is another one that you might want to invest in. This seat is supple, and ergonomic and distributes your weight evenly to ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable time exercising. The evenly distributed vents on this bike ensure that you have adequate airflow and thus prevent sweating when exercising. As a result, you do not irritate the hemorrhoids which leads to an enjoyable training experience.
Best exercise bike for hemorrhoids
Can riding a bike cause hemorrhoids? Now you know it doesn’t only aggravate the situation. What are the bikes that you should try using to stay comfortable while exercising? Here are some of the best exercise bikes for hemorrhoids.
Our thoughts: Can riding a bike cause hemorrhoids?
Can riding a bike cause hemorrhoids? The answer is no. Riding an exercise bike does not cause hemorrhoids. However, it can make the situation worse. That is why we recommend that before you exercise, ensure you know the level of your condition to avoid making it severe.