9 Myths and truths about the anus –

To help clarify some myths and better explain common doubts about the anal region, proctologists Dr. Aline Amaro It is doctor Danilo Munhoz commented on some myths and truths about the anus.

1

It is better to take a shower after having a bowel movement

True! Washing the anus with soap and water is always the best option. Then dry with a soft towel after cleaning.

two

We can use wet wipes after having a bowel movement

True! Although the guideline is always to wash, we know that in some places we cannot carry out proper hygiene, and that is where the wet wipe comes in.

Ideally, it should always be neutral, just cotton and water so as not to cause any irritation.

And attention! It’s important to remember to dry the region afterwards, we can’t leave it wet, as this can proliferate fungi and bacteria. If you don’t have a towel, you can dry it with toilet paper by tapping it without rubbing.

3

Constipation increases the risk of hemorrhoids

True. It is one of the main risk factors for hemorrhoidal disease. Constipated patients tend to make a lot of effort to evacuate, increasing the pressure in the anal canal and in the blood vessels in the region, causing their dilation and thus generating hemorrhoidal disease. In addition, the stools tend to be always dry and hard, increasing the chance of injury to the anal canal.

4

Women should always clean themselves from front to back.

True. It is the most recommended way to avoid contamination of the vaginal area with fecal residues.

5

People with hemorrhoids cannot have a normal delivery

Lie. Although it needs special attention in this case, normal delivery is not contraindicated when the pregnant woman has hemorrhoidal disease. During childbirth, she may experience worsening, due to excessive pelvic effort, but this does not prevent her from choosing normal delivery. In this case, we recommend follow-up with a coloproctologist during pregnancy to alleviate symptoms and risks.

6

pepper causes hemorrhoids

Myth. Pepper does not cause hemorrhoids, but it can make symptoms worse in those who already have the disease. What happens is that some components of pepper have a high capacity to cause irritation in some tissues and these components are not digested by the intestine, which also causes irritation on the way out, worsening the symptoms.

7

Anal sex impairs bowel function

Myth. When done following the guidelines, such as using condoms and lubricants, it does not cause harm.

8

Anal sex causes hemorrhoids

Myth. Anal sex can worsen the symptoms of those who already have symptoms of hemorrhoidal disease, but it does not cause the disease. It’s important to always remember the lubricant to avoid any injury to the region.

9

Doing the “chuca” harms health

Lie. The chuca, although not mandatory, does not cause damage to the intestine if it is performed according to correct guidelines. It is necessary to be careful with the amount of liquid introduced and to prefer accessories suitable for carrying out the washing, thus reducing the risk of trauma in the region.

There is no magic number of times, but what we advise is that it is not a mandatory habit throughout the relationship, because when in excess it can alter the intestinal microbiota.