Do gay men get hemorrhoids

Ever wondered why rimming is such an enjoyable act and is so popular among gay men? The downside? That same skin tissue is thin and susceptible to injury and blemishes. Some men may even have them and have no idea without making a trip to their general physician or proctologist. So we spoke with Dr.

Evan Goldstein, CEO and founder of Bespoke Surgicala private gay proctological and anal surgery practice in New York City and Los Angeles, about the three most common anal issues in gay men and how to detect and treat them. According to Dr. Goldstein, the three anal issues are very different. Hemorrhoids are veins that engorge with blood due to a buildup of pressure during defecation or anal intercourse.

Goldstein tells Hornet. He recommends warm Epsom salt baths and topical creams for relief as they heal, though stool softeners can help make bathroom time more bearable. But Dr. Goldstein warns that chronic hemorrhoids that interfere with normal bathroom and bedroom time may require surgical treatment, usually through cauterization, banding or hemorrhoidectomy — most of which use general anesthesia.

A lot of people confuse these anal issues with hemorrhoids, but they look and feel different. Goldstein says. Some skin tags can cause localized irritation, discomfort, itching and some people consider them odd-looking. While s ome skin tags can resolve on their own over time with sitz baths in which only the butt and hips are immersed in water and the prescription topical ointment Proctozone 2.

Coping with hemorrhoids

The type of surgery depends on the type of skin tag you have and the desired after-appearance. Anal warts typically look like cauliflower or mushrooms that can be external, along the rim or even deep inside the anus. They grow in an irregular pattern compared to hemorrhoids or skin tags and often have a whitish hue.

One can avoid anal warts with Gardasil, a vaccine that protects against the HPV strains that are most likely to cause anal warts. Also, Dr. If you have HPV, telling partners and having a full external and internal anal medical evaluation including an annual anal pap smear can help limit the spread of these anal issues.

Treatment focuses on wart removal and anal cancer prevention. The best course of action is dependent on the extent and location of the disease. Goldstein says that anal warts, hemorrhoids and skin tags are just a few of the anal issues people face. But with gradual anal play to help loosen up the sphincter and by following the guidelines above, gay men can minimize wear and injury.

This article was originally published on April 13, It has since been updated.