TMI embarrassing Butt question.

abovewedding

So, here goes.

What do hemorrhoids feel like? Because I'm wondering if I've got them. I'm shy to ask my midwife about this in case this isn't pregnancy related. Lately my butt has been killing me. Its itchy and burny and honestly feels like I have a diaper rash. I'm wondering if this is because I'm just constantly peeing and wiping myself. I'm not constipated so I haven't been straining which I know causes roids. So if this is just from being in and out of the bathroom I can try to be more gentle or something but if its hemorrhoids then I should probably deal with that? So how do you know? 

ValVail67

1) You can usually physically feel hemorrhoids if you touch the area that's sore. They're little bumps.

2) Hemorrhoids can bleed, which you'll notice when you wipe.

A lot of times hemorrhoids go away on they're on, so if you want, you could just give it time & see if your bum starts feeling any better. In the mean time I would consider using softer TP, & some sort of moisturizer (yes, possibly even Butt Paste) on your sore bottom. If it doesn't get any better (or gets worse) after a few days, you shouldn't be ashamed to mention it to your MW. Hemorrhoids & pregnancy go hand- in- hand, so it's not like it'll be something she's never dealt with before.

abovewedding

Thanks It usually does go away and feel better if I put some cream on it (ugh, sorry this is so gross). But it has been on and off. No bumps or bleeding though. 

JulietL129

Hm, you could try to get those wet wipes to use instead of TP and see if that's a little easier on the bum

AllSmiles1210

I have no idea on an answer to your question, I was wondering how I would know myself actually, but I would mention it to your MW. I'm sure she's seen tons of things and has gotten many questions with beingin her field, so while it may be embarassing to you, it's probably no big deal to her. Maybe also try to put cream or something on the area to see if it makes it any better.

ValVail67

Hehe. No need to appoligize for the grossness. It's like I told my BFF who's about to pop any day now, I've been through pregnancy & delivery once before already (& even saw my own delivery), so I'm pretty much jaded to all the grossness of it all. It may not be pretty (at all), but it's all part of this whole bringing- a- new- life- into- the- world shindig that we got going on.

LittleDucky

Hemorrhoids can feel like burning, sharp pain, or itchy (or all of the above).  Like PP said, they feel like bumps, but they don't feel like little bumps on your skin like a rash.  They feel like little protrusions around your anus, which makes sense because they are actually varicose veins.

Even if you do have hemorrhoids, there is little your midwife will be able to do about it.  You can use Preparation H topical ointment or gel, but I haven't found it helps very much.  One thing that helps me a lot (and which might help with your discomfort whether it is from hemorrhoids or just skin irritation) is to use moist wipes instead of toilet paper.  You can buy flushable wipes at most grocery stores or drug stores.  They usually are labeled as "toddler wipes."  Baby wipes are not flushable and can mess up your plumbing, so be sure to read the label.

JoJoMama730

Tucks (medicated wipes) help me with flare-ups.   You could try some of those.

abovewedding

*justducky*:

Hemorrhoids can feel like burning, sharp pain, or itchy (or all of the above).  Like PP said, they feel like bumps, but they don't feel like little bumps on your skin like a rash.  They feel like little protrusions around your anus, which makes sense because they are actually varicose veins.

Even if you do have hemorrhoids, there is little your midwife will be able to do about it.  You can use Preparation H topical ointment or gel, but I haven't found it helps very much.  One thing that helps me a lot (and which might help with your discomfort whether it is from hemorrhoids or just skin irritation) is to use moist wipes instead of toilet paper.  You can buy flushable wipes at most grocery stores or drug stores.  They usually are labeled as "toddler wipes."  Baby wipes are not flushable and can mess up your plumbing, so be sure to read the label.

Hmm thanks! I actually got these from my baby shower. Maybe I'll try these!

lulu3061

Do you have sensitive skin?  This is going to sound ridiculous but it might actually be diaper rash.  If you're peeing more and if you have any leakage or discharge it's probably damper than your skin is used to.  Try Weleda diaper rash cream the stuff is like a miracle ointment, if it makes it better you know what it is and don't have to ask the midwife.

pitterpatter129

I had no idea until I was pregnant that you can get "internal hemorhoids"! My OB said something about them at some point.  I'm honestly not completely sure what they are, but from what I understand they are the swollen bumps that haven't made their way to the outside just yet.  So, I guess you can have them before you can feel them on the outside.  Goody. 

Also, you might go ahead and ask your MW because you can also get a yeast infection on your skin from the extra moisture.  Putting meds for other things on it can make it worse if it's not just regular old "diaper" rash.  You might need an anti-fungal cream.