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	© 2006 Wyeth  Consumer Healthcare  Privacy  Terms & Conditions  This site is intended  for residents of the  United States.	What Are Hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoids are small veins that have become dilated and swollen (called "varicose") around the rectum and anus. Veins around the rectum and anus may swell and become inflamed, develop small blood clots and cause minor bleeding. There are 2 major types of hemorrhoids—external and internal. External hemorrhoids develop under the skin just outside the opening of the anus. They may itch and cause pain, especially during a bowel movement, and are often tender to the touch. They are round, purple and feel like "soft swellings." Internal hemorrhoids are found further up inside the rectum. Often, they are not painful and you may not know they are there until they start to bleed. Sometimes internal hemorrhoids may be pushed out through the anus from straining, which can be quite painful. Back to index Causes of Hemorrhoids Increasing pressure on the tiny veins of the anus and rectum (anorectal veins) can cause hemorrhoids. Pressure in the abdomen which transmits pressure to the anorectal veins is a main cause. Many different things can bring out or aggravate hemorrhoids, including sitting or standing for long periods of time (which can cause hemorrhoids to swell or be pushed out), constipation (which causes straining at bowel movements), diarrhea, exertion (lifting, coughing), being overweight and pregnancy. Women frequently develop hemorrhoids during pregnancy and after the birth. Why? A pregnant woman's enlarged womb increases pressure in the hemorrhoidal veins. Plus, her blood supply actually increases during pregnancy, thus raising the pressure within her veins. Also, the hormones present in a pregnant woman's body tend to relax the supporting muscles, contributing to the problem as the baby presses more and more on the veins below it. Add to all of this the fact that pregnancy itself often causes constipation. The body requires additional water during pregnancy, and a woman who doesn't drink enough may find her body absorbing additional water from her intestines, leaving a hard, dry bowel movement. Back to index Treating Hemorrhoids Preparation H®, in Ointment, Cream, Cooling Gel and Suppository forms, is developed especially for the treatment of hemorrhoidal symptoms. Using this medication up to four times a day, especially at night, in the morning and after each bowel movement, or whenever symptoms occur, often helps shrink swelling and gives prompt temporary relief from the painful burning, itching and irritation of inflamed hemorrhoidal tissues. As with any medication, if you are pregnant or nursing a baby, you should talk to a health professional before using the product. Sitting on a folded bath towel in a tub with a few inches of warm—not hot—water for 15 minutes three or four times a day, or as your doctor suggests, may help ease pain by relaxing muscles and soothing the anal area. Donut-shaped comfort cushions can help relieve pressure, particularly if you sit for long periods of time. There are a number of medical procedures that your doctor can perform: – In the "Rubber Band" treatment, the hemorrhoid is drawn into a special instrument, which then fastens a tiny rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid, tying it tightly. After a while, the hemorrhoid drops off. – Cryosurgery freezes external hemorrhoids with liquid nitrogen. – Hemorrhoidectomy is the surgical removal of a hemorrhoid. Most doctor-prescribed treatments for pruritus ani (anal itch) are products containing hydrocortisone. To provide you with maximum strength relief of pruritus ani, the makers of Preparation H® have Preparation H® Hydrocortisone 1%. Back to index Hemorrhoids Can Be Prevented A high-fiber or a high-bulk diet will move through the large intestine more easily and keep bowel movements from being too solid or too loose. Foods high in fiber include: – Bran foods, such as bran cereals and whole wheat bread – Green leafy vegetables, such as celery, lettuce and spinach – Vegetables like turnips, cabbage and carrots – Fresh fruits, especially plums, apricots and apples – Stewed or canned fruit, such as prunes or figs – Fruit juices A regular, controlled plan of exercise gives better tone to the supporting muscles of the anorectal areas as well as the abdomen. Proper hygiene, meaning carefully cleansing and removing matter that may cause pain and irritation, can help prevent or relieve hemorrhoidal symptoms. Stool softeners are medications that keep bowel movements moist and softer, helping them to pass through the intestines more easily and be expelled without straining. Back to index Tips For New Mothers Welcome to the chaotic, stressful and absolutely wonderful world of New Motherhood. An amazing thing happens after the birth of a child: a new mother is born. And whether it's your first, your second or your last, a new baby brings a host of unexpected — and expected-challenges for the new mother. The thrill, the panic, the questions, the answers; it's easy to forget about yourself when you're a new mom. But the makers of Preparation H® want to remind you to take care of yourself. For years, Preparation H has been helping new moms relieve the discomfort of hemorrhoids. Now, we're taking it a step further by helping and focusing on your health. Stay informed. Get involved. Live better starting today. The weeks following the birth of your baby may be the most exciting, active and rewarding time of your life. But they may also be physically and emotionally draining. Every woman looks and feels differently after the birth of her baby. Let's take a look at what you might expect. Physical Changes Episiotomy. If you had an episiotomy, it will take about two weeks for the stitches to dissolve. Sitting on the stitches may be uncomfortable—possibly even painful. If so, try sitting on an inflatable cushion or rubber ring. Take sitz baths once or twice a day to prevent infection, accelerate healing and relieve your pain. While moving your bowels, hold a clean pad against the stitches. Avoid constipation by eating a diet rich in fiber. Weight Loss and Diet. You'll probably lose between 7 and 12 pounds after the birth of your baby. That's the total weight of the baby, amniotic fluid and placenta combined. In the days and weeks ahead, you'll lose excess fluid in the tissues and circulation (that's another 2 to 3 pounds) and the weight of the uterus is reduced from 2 pounds to 2 ounces What's left? The three letter word: FAT. To control your weight, watch what you eat and start a regular exercise routine. Avoid crash diets. Limit your fat intake to below 30% of your total calories. Increase your intake of carbohydrates and eat more fruits and vegetables. Watch the size of your protein portion—red meat and cheese mean extra fat. Remember—you need your strength and energy to care for your new baby. Count on losing only 1/2 to 1 pound a week. Be patient. It will take several weeks to return to your correct weight-but you will get there. If you're breast—feeding, you'll need about 2,000 to 2,500 calories a day, as opposed to the 1,500 to 2,000 calories for women who are not breast-feeding. Always check with your doctor before starting any diet, exercise or weight loss plan. Exercise. Exercise is essential for getting the muscles of the abdomen and pelvic floor back to normal. It also helps you feel more energetic, keeping you fit and healthy to care for your new baby. The Kegal exercise is often recommended as a very good-and-easy muscle tightener for women whose vaginal muscles are less elastic after childbirth. To do this exercise, you simply tighten your vaginal muscles as you would if you needed to stop urinating midstream. Hold it for a few seconds, release and repeat several times. It's an easy and effective exercise that no one but you knows you are doing, so you can do this while you're doing the dishes, eating dinner or watching television. Postnatal exercises are specifically designed to help your body return to its pre-pregnancy shape in the days and weeks following childbirth. Your doctor or nurse may recommend exercises suited for your needs. Try to set aside a few minutes each day for exercise. Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 6 weeks after you have given birth. Once you feel up to it, start an aerobics program. Aerobic activity can help build endurance, reduce body fat and improve your self-esteem. Choose an aerobic activity that you enjoy and can stick with. Running, cycling, swimming, aerobic dance and walking can not only help you lose weight but feel better too. And if exercising outdoors isn't convenient for you, exercise machines allow you to do these activities indoors. Aim for three 20-minute exercise sessions every week. Start out slowly, increasing the intensity and duration of exercise from 20 to 30 minutes. Combine your aerobics with a strength training program for a truly well-rounded exercise routine. Emotional Adjustments The Blues and Postpartum Depression. It's normal to feel depressed and tearful a few days after delivery. In fact, "the blues" are a common event and nothing to be concerned about. But postpartum depression may last much longer and the symptoms may be more severe. Symptoms include insomnia, anxiety, paranoia and acute depression that result in being unable to take care of yourself and the baby. If that's the case, consult your doctor immediately. Going without help may make your depression worse. Prompt treatment means prompt recovery. The best way to handle the stress, strain and responsibilities of new motherhood is to talk about it. Don't be afraid to ask for a helping hand. Bonding. The relationship with your baby begins the second he or she is born. If possible, ask that you and the child's father be left alone with the baby in your hospital room. Get to know your baby through eye-to-eye and skin-to-skin contact. Rest and Sleep. Fatigue is all too common in new mothers. You may feel totally exhausted after childbirth—yet you've never been busier. Put yourself and your baby first. Get plenty of sleep and rest. And go easy on yourself. It takes time for your body to readjust to not being pregnant. To get back to normal as quickly as you can, try these tips: Never ignore signs of tiredness. Stop what you're doing if you can and lie down with your feet slightly raised above your head. Have a nap whenever the baby is sleeping. Keep to a balanced diet. Drink lots of fluids. You will feel very thirsty if you are breast-feeding. Eat meals and snacks that require a minimum of preparation, such as salads, sandwiches, fruits and yogurt. Have someone help you around the house so that you can rest during the day. Take your phone off the hook and discourage visitors if you're not up to it. Back to index Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Women Living well. That is the goal of women today. In their jobs, at home with their families, in their relationships-women work longer and harder than ever to reach their goal of living well. But in your pursuit of living well, are you forgetting about yourself? Forgetting to make time for yourself? Forgetting to take the time and do the things to care for yourself? That's where Preparation H® comes in. For years, Preparation H has been helping women and men relieve the discomfort of hemorrhoids. Now, Preparation H takes it a step further by helping and focusing on your overall well-being. Stay informed. Get involved. Live better starting today. What is a healthful diet? Reduce the amount of fat in your diet. Your goal should be to keep total fat intake to 30% of the day's caloric intake. If you hit 40% one day, have 20% the next. Pay special attention to serving sizes when counting fat grams—you may be eating 2 servings or more without knowing it. Choose lean cuts of meat and avoid red meats and cheese high in fat. Keep cholesterol intake to less than 300 milligrams per day. Increase the amount of complex carbohydrates in your diet, especially whole grains. Experts recommend six or more daily servings of foods like bread, rice, pasta, cereal and beans. Limit daily salt intake to 6,000 milligrams or less. Season foods with lemon, vinegar, broth, wine, garlic, herbs and spices instead of salt. Increase the amount of calcium in your diet. Skim milk provides calcium without the fat and calories. Do not take daily vitamin and mineral supplements in excess of the RDA unless your physician tells you to. A balanced diet is the best source of adequate nutrients. Calcium and Osteoporosis Most women do not get enough calcium in their diets. That's one reason why women are more likely than men to develop osteoporosis, a disease in which the bones become thin, brittle and break with only minimal stress. The National Institutes of Health recommends 1,000 milligrams per day of calcium for men, post-menopausal women taking hormone replacement, and pre-menopausal women, and 1,500 milligrams for post-menopausal women who are not taking hormone replacement. Milk, cheese and yogurt are all rich in calcium. Dark green, leafy vegetables, broccoli, sardines and some cereals are also good sources of calcium. Exercise and Fitness No matter how old you are, or what you do, exercise is essential for good health. But a regular exercise program does require a commitment. Here's how to plan a program that's right for you: Choose activities that best fit your lifestyle. This will keep you motivated and interested in the program. Put your fitness goals in writing. Then organize a step-by-step plan to help you reach them. Give yourself positive reinforcement along the way. Stick with it. Don't give up. It takes time to see results-sometimes 2 or 3 months—but you will see them. If you slip up one day, just resume your program the next. Just keep it going. Make time for your exercise program. Think of it as a break from your busy schedule. You'll feel better for it-and your increased energy will make you more productive. Your Physical Fitness Aerobic Endurance. Running, walking, cycling, rowing, dancing, cross-country skiing, stair climbing, swimming, racquet sports and hiking are all examples of aerobic activity. Aerobic exercise helps you burn fat, leading to weight loss. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends aerobic activity 3 to 5 times a week, for a period of 20 to 60 minutes. Choose a low-to-medium intensity workout for a longer period of time, over a high-intensity workout for a shorter period of time, to strengthen your heart, lungs and circulatory system. Muscular Strength. To firm up your muscles and increase muscle strength, you need to start resistance training using free weights or weight resistance machines. Start out by lifting a manageable amount of weight and, as you get stronger, increase the resistance. Two to three 20-minute sessions of weight training a week, combined with aerobic activity, will lead to better health. Flexibility. Good flexibility reduces the chance of injury by providing greater agility; it also helps improve your posture. Stretching helps increase your flexibility by increasing your muscles' length. Plus, it helps relieve tension and stiffness. Stretching 3 to 7 days a week will help increase and maintain your flexibility. Back to index