Table 1 Questionnaire presented to the patients and hypotheses of TEH aetiology as published with reference numbers

Do you suppose to have haemorrhoids? (no/yes/I do not know)

[15, 19, 20, 25, 26]

Did you have an operation at your anus? (no/yes/I do not know)

[31]

Did you have diarrhoea? (no/yes/I do not know)

[24–26]

Did you take laxatives? (no/yes/I do not know)

[25]

Did you have hard stools? (no/yes/I do not know)

[24, 25]

Did you strain at toilet during motions? (no/yes/I do not know)

[10, 24, 25, 27]

Did you have cough and sneeze? (no/yes/I do not know)

[24, 27]

Did you recently had a spicy meal? (no/yes/I do not know)

[27, 28]

Did you recently had more alcohol than usual? (no/yes)

[27, 28]

Did you sat on cold surfaces? (no/yes/I do not know)

[27]

Did you recently had an excessive physical effort? (no/yes/I do not know)

[29]

Did you recently lift a heavy load? (no/yes/I do not know)

[24–28]

Did you have sports, i.e. jogging? (no/yes/I do not know)

[27–29]

Did you have anoreceptive sex? (no/yes/I do not know)

[27]

Do you use dry toilet paper only after motions? (no/yes)

[23, 31]

Do you use shower or wet wipes after motions? (no/yes)

[23, 31]

Do you use the bathtub more than once a week? (no/yes)

[23, 31]

Do you shower more than once or twice a week? (no/yes)

[23, 31]

Do you clean your genitals before sleep more than once a week? (no/yes)

[23, 31]

Do you use dry toilet paper after motions combined with wet cleaning? (no/yes)

[23, 31]

Do you use gels/soaps after motions to clean your anus? (no/yes)

[23, 31]

Do or did you have your menses? (no/yes)

[6, 27, 28]

Are you pregnant? (no/yes/I do not know)

[6, 27, 28]

Did you have childbirth within the last weeks? (no/yes)

[6, 27, 28]