Thousands of people across Australia regularly suffer from haemorrhoids. This common problem is embarrassing enough, but in certain situations, sufferers can find it agonising to sit down. Haemorrhoids (or piles) can occur for many reasons, but certain situations can make the problem worse. Find out if your car seat can give you piles, and learn more about the steps you can take to avoid these painful symptoms.

Causes of haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids are painful varicose veins that occur in the rectum or anus. Internal haemorrhoids are generally painless, but prolapsed haemorrhoids can hang out of the body, especially if you have just used the toilet. A severe case of prolapsed haemorrhoids could make life very painful when driving a car.

Haemorrhoids commonly occur because people strain on the toilet. If your diet isn't very healthy, you could face problems with constipation, which often causes the strain that brings on piles. Sitting on a hard surface for prolonged periods can increase the risk of haemorrhoids, and pregnant women are also at more risk.

Nonetheless, there are also several suspected causes of this condition that aren't strictly true.

Myths about haemorrhoids

A lot of people believe that sitting on cold or warm surfaces for prolonged periods can increase the risk of haemorrhoids. In fact, anything that causes congestion in your pelvis can cause piles. As such, if you sit on a hard surface for a long period, you may put pressure on the delicate veins in your anus, which, in turn, can cause piles. However, the temperature of the surface actually makes no difference.

There is no scientific evidence to show that piles can occur because of cold temperatures. One 2009 study compared a group of people with painful external piles and another group without the problem. Researchers looked at the effects of various activities, including sitting on a cold surface. The researchers found temperature did not affect the participants' risk of piles. Heated car seats are equally unlikely to cause the problem.

As such, unless you use a concrete car seat, it's unlikely that your seating will cause piles.

Driving and haemorrhoids

Of course, if you already have a problem with haemorrhoids, long periods behind the wheel can cause discomfort and pain. A long journey seated in one position could cause the pelvic congestion that leads to piles, especially if your posture is poor.

During a flare-up of the condition, it's unwise to spend long periods in the driving seat. What's more, pelvic floor exercises (where you squeeze tight as though you are about to pee) on the move can help you ease congestion down there.

Certain cushions and seat covers, perhaps from a company like Prestige Sheepskin, can also improve your posture and elevate your seating position to ease the symptoms of a flare-up. For example, doughnut cushions can reduce pressure points in your backside, allowing your haemorrhoids to soothe and calm down. 

Haemorrhoids can make driving uncomfortable, but your car seat is almost certainly not the problem. Talk to your doctor to get more advice about how to cope with this condition.