What Are Good Defecation Habits?

The following measures are under your control and should be practiced routinely.

FOLLOW THE URGE
Empty your bowels soon after you feel the urge. Training the bowels to move in the morning as a reflex after morning tea or coffee eliminates the problem of having to relieve yourself at inconvenient times.

AVOID STRAINING
Straining to complete rectal evacuation or indulging in an orgy of protracted straining serves only to congest the vascular cushion and make the hemorrhoids worse.

AVOID PROLONGED SITTING ON THE COMMODE
Prolonged siting on the commode to read is very injurous to hemorrhoidal veins. Staying on the commode for longer periods, even without straining, decreases pelvic support, allowing increased pressure on the rectum and anus. Do not use bathroom time to catch up on your reading.

WIPE GENTLY
Wipe gently with soft, unscented tissue. Blotting or patting rather than rubbing the irritated areas is recommended. Try using moistened cotton balls or rinsing with water.