Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsThe LinkConstipation SymptomsGetting ReliefPreventionOther ComplicationsSeeking Medical Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
The Link
Constipation Symptoms
Getting Relief
Prevention
Other Complications
Seeking Medical Care
Hemorrhoidscan contribute toconstipationdue to how hemorrhoidal symptoms change a person’s bathroom habits.Hemorrhoids are veins in the rectum and anus that become inflamed and swollen. They can cause symptoms such as itching, pain, and bleeding.
Some people may have no symptoms at all, but others may find that hemorrhoids can be a difficult problem that negatively affects their life in many ways. Treatments often include home remedies such as increasing dietary fiber and over-the-counter (OTC) topical creams or ointments.
This article explains the connection between hemorrhoids and constipation, how hemorrhoids are treated, and tips on prevention.
Vladimir Vladimirov / Getty Images
Understanding the Connection Between Hemorrhoids and Constipation
The link between hemorrhoids and constipation is not exactly a direct one. Hemorrhoids can contribute to the development of constipation, largely because people may change their bathroom habits, such as putting off having a bowel movement, in response to the symptoms of a hemorrhoid, such as pain from wiping.
Factors that could affect the development of constipation include:
The Best Foods for Hemorrhoid Relief (and What to Avoid)
Can Constipation Cause Hemorrhoids?
Constipation can also indirectly cause hemorrhoids, as follows:
What is considered a “normal” bowel movement is highly variable and differs from person to person. However, guidelines exist for defining ordiagnosing constipation.
Constipation may result in:
Constipation is often uncomfortable. You may experience discomfort in your stomach or afeeling of a full rectum. These symptoms can be physically and emotionally distracting, especially when they go on for several days.
You might not want to leave the house for fear of needing to use the toilet. The uncomfortable sensations may make it harder to concentrate on work or school.
How to Relieve Hemorrhoid-Related Constipation
Treating both constipation and hemorrhoids may mean making changes to lifestyle and diet. The goal will be to have bowel movements that are soft and easy to pass so they don’t cause pain or straining.
Measures you can take at home include:
Home Remedies for Hemorrhoids
Taking Laxatives
Using alaxativefor a short period to address constipation may be helpful. Then, it will be important to focus on preventing constipation from recurring.
It’s usually not recommended that laxatives be used for a long period. Some laxatives can havelong-term effects, especially if they are used all the time.
The types of laxatives that are available for treating constipation include:
Guide to Over-the-Counter Laxatives
How to Prevent Constipation and Hemorrhoids
Constipation has many causes. Certain triggers can’t be avoided, like certainmedical conditionsorpregnancy. Ifmedicationsare causing constipation, it’s worth looking into ways to reduce those effects or switch to another drug.
Ways to prevent constipation are similar to those used to treat it, including getting enough dietary fiber, staying hydrated, regular exercise, and not ignoring the urge to move the bowels.
Healthcare providers may recommend trying to have a bowel movement at the same time every day or at regular intervals (which might be calledbowel retraining).
Avoiding straining on the toilet can help prevent hemorrhoids and, in turn, constipation. Not using a phone or other device while on the toilet can help in avoiding sitting for too long and increasing the pressure on the rectum and anus.
Squatting during a bowel movement can also help.While seated on the toilet, place your feet on a regular footstool (or one made especially for this purpose) that’s directly in front of the toilet so that your knees are raised and bent as you bear down.
Squatty Potty: 5 Benefits of an Angled Pooping Position
Hemorrhoids can cause a feeling of fullness in the rectum or anus. It may feel like there is stool there that needs to be passed. This can fool people into sitting on the toilet for longer periods, even when there is no stool to pass. Sitting on the toilet for too long and straining can further make hemorrhoids more swollen.
Hemorrhoids can bleed. Blood in the stool is always a reason to see a healthcare provider. Even when it’s thought to be from a hemorrhoid, a diagnosis is still needed. Blood could be from other, more serious causes, so it shouldn’t be ignored.
Hemorrhoids can also be itchy. Further inflammation or even damage to the skin around the anus (theperianalskin) can result from trying to alleviate the itch. This could worsen the pain and discomfort.
Do Hemorrhoids Go Away on Their Own?
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
A healthcare provider can help in treating constipation and/or hemorrhoids. The occasional bout with constipation or a hemorrhoid might be treatable at home. However, when the symptoms go on for more than a few days or if there are concerning symptoms, it’s time to seek care.
See a healthcare provider if the following apply:
Summary
Hemorrhoids are common, especially in older people, but there are ways to prevent them, and that may include treating constipation. Hemorrhoids and constipation have a bidirectional relationship, and they can each cause the other to worsen.
There are many measures people can take at home to treat hemorrhoids and constipation, such as getting enough fiber, water, and exercise. Seeking help from a healthcare provider may be necessary for people whose symptoms don’t respond to home remedies.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Kalkdijk J, Broens P, Ten Broek R, et al.Functional constipation in patients with hemorrhoids: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2022;34:813-822. doi:10.1097/MEG.0000000000002361
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts of hemorrhoids.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for constipation.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for constipation.
MD Anderson Cancer Center.When to worry about blood in the stool.
The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.Hemorrhoids.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of constipation.
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