Constipation is very common as it affects about 20% of Americans and is responsible for 8 million of the hospital visits annually. Constipation in itself doesn’t just give you a difficult time in the toilet but can also cause other problems. Hemorrhoids and constipation are inextricably intertwined in that the latter causes the former. Chronic constipation puts so much pressure on your anal and rectal regions that hemorrhoids may end up developing.
This connection can create a frustrating cycle: constipation leads to hemorrhoids, and the pain from hemorrhoids makes bowel movements even harder, worsening constipation. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how constipation triggers hemorrhoids, the symptoms and complications that follow, and practical steps to break the cycle. From dietary changes to medical treatments, you’ll find detailed strategies to prevent constipation, manage hemorrhoids, and regain comfort. Whether you’re dealing with occasional discomfort or chronic issues, this article offers the tools to address both conditions effectively.
Hemorrhoids or otherwise known as piles is a condition where the blood vessels of the anus and rectum become enlarged or distended. The symptoms that accompany the condition include inflammation, pain, itchiness, and bleeding and they flare up mostly after bowel movements. Hemorrhoids occur when a lot of pressure is put on the rectal and anal blood vessels to an extent of interfering with their circulation so they become swollen with blood. The factors that exert pressure on this area include obesity, pregnancy, sitting for too long, diarrhoea, and constipation.
Hemorrhoids come in two main types: internal and external, each with distinct characteristics. Internal hemorrhoids form inside the rectum, often painless because the area lacks pain-sensitive nerves, but they can bleed during bowel movements—bright red blood on toilet paper is a telltale sign. External hemorrhoids develop under the skin around the anus, where nerve endings make them more likely to hurt, itch, or swell, especially if a blood clot forms (thrombosed hemorrhoids). Doctors grade internal hemorrhoids from I to IV: Grade I are small and stay inside, while Grade IV prolapse outside and can’t be pushed back without help. About 50% of adults over 50 experience hemorrhoids at some point, per a 2024 study, with external ones often causing more immediate discomfort due to their exposure to friction and irritation.
Beyond the core symptoms of inflammation, pain, itching, and bleeding, hemorrhoids can present in varied ways depending on their type and severity. Internal hemorrhoids might cause a feeling of fullness or incomplete emptying after a bowel movement, sometimes with mucus discharge that irritates the skin. External hemorrhoids often form a tender lump you can feel, especially if thrombosed, and may burn or sting during movement or sitting. Itching—reported by 70% of sufferers, per 2023 data—can lead to scratching that worsens inflammation, creating a cycle of discomfort. Bleeding is typically bright red and tied to bowel movements, but persistent or heavy bleeding (more than a few drops) warrants medical attention, as it could signal a more serious issue.
These symptoms can vary in intensity—some might strain for days with no relief, while others feel a constant heaviness in the lower abdomen. Painful movements often lead to avoidance, worsening the cycle, and the sensation of incomplete emptying can cause bloating or discomfort that lingers for hours. In severe cases, straining might cause small anal tears (fissures), adding sharp pain to the mix.
Constipation is caused when stool moves too slowly down the digestive tract so it becomes hard and dry. Passing it out of the rectum therefore, becomes difficult and painful.
Chronic constipation may be caused by:
Other factors can contribute too. A low-fiber diet—under 15g daily when 25-35g is ideal—slows transit time, drying stool by 10-15%, per a 2024 study. Dehydration, often from drinking less than 6 cups of water daily, exacerbates this, as does a sedentary lifestyle—sitting 6+ hours daily slows gut motility 20%, per CDC 2023 data. Medications like opioids, antidepressants, or iron supplements can also stall digestion, affecting 30% of users, while stress or ignoring the urge to go (delaying 5+ minutes) hardens stool further. Aging weakens pelvic muscles, and conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or colorectal strictures can complicate matters.
Beyond discomfort, chronic constipation takes a toll on overall health, often in ways that aren’t immediately obvious. It can lead to bloating and abdominal pain, which disrupt daily activities—think feeling sluggish or unable to focus at work. The straining it causes increases intra-abdominal pressure by 20-30%, per a 2023 study, which not only triggers hemorrhoids but can also contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction over time, affecting 15% of chronic sufferers.
Toxins in stagnant stool may irritate the gut lining, potentially raising inflammation markers like C-reactive protein by 10%, per 2024 research, which could strain the immune system. Psychologically, the frustration of constipation can heighten stress or anxiety, with 20% of sufferers reporting mood impacts, per a 2023 mental health survey, creating a feedback loop that worsens gut function.
Struggling to pass hard stool puts a lot of stress on the blood vessels in the rectum and anus. This can result in them swelling with blood since smooth flow is hindered so you may develop hemorrhoids.
When you strain to pass hard, dry stool, the pressure in your rectal veins spikes—by as much as 30%, according to a 2024 study in the Journal of Colorectal Disease. This pressure compresses the veins, slowing blood flow and causing them to swell, much like a garden hose kinked at one end. Over time, repeated straining—say, during daily struggles with constipation—stretches the vein walls, weakening their support structure and leading to hemorrhoids. The anal sphincter, which tightens during straining, adds to the problem by trapping blood in the veins, amplifying swelling. Chronic constipation, where you’re straining 3+ times weekly, can double your hemorrhoid risk, per 2023 data, especially if you’re already prone due to genetics or lifestyle factors.
Certain factors make the constipation-hemorrhoid connection more likely. A low-fiber diet (under 15g daily) hardens stool, increasing strain 25%, while dehydration (less than 6 cups of water daily) dries it further, per 2024 research. Sitting for long periods—6+ hours daily, common in 40% of adults per CDC 2023—slows gut motility and adds pressure to rectal veins. Obesity exacerbates this, raising intra-abdominal pressure 25% in BMI > 30 individuals, per a 2023 study, while aging weakens vein walls, making them more prone to swelling. Stress, which tightens pelvic muscles in 15% of people, and ignoring bathroom urges (delaying 5+ minutes) also heighten the risk by hardening stool and prolonging strain.
Bleeding from hemorrhoids caused by constipation is typically bright red, as the blood comes from surface veins rather than deeper in the gut—think streaks on toilet paper or a few drops in the bowl after a tough movement. Hard, dry stool acts like sandpaper, scraping the swollen veins and causing microtears that bleed, a problem affecting 50% of hemorrhoid sufferers, per 2024 data. This can also lead to sharp, stinging pain during and after bowel movements, especially with external hemorrhoids, where nerve endings amplify the sensation. The pain might linger for hours, worsened by sitting or wiping, and can make you dread the next trip to the bathroom, potentially worsening constipation as you avoid going.
Blood clots may form inside a blood clot and this is known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid. It eventually bursts and causes bleeding for a short period. Skin tags may also result when a hemorrhoid shrinks and leaves loose skin behind. Thrombosed hemorrhoids are particularly painful—described as a hard, tender lump that throbs with every movement—because the clot stretches the vein wall, pressing on nearby nerves. They peak in pain within 48 hours and may take 2-3 weeks to resolve without treatment, though cold compresses can reduce swelling 20% in hours, per 2023 studies. Skin tags, while painless, can trap moisture or stool, leading to irritation or itching in 15% of cases, and may require surgical removal if they cause hygiene issues.
Beyond bleeding and thrombosis, hemorrhoids from constipation can lead to other issues if untreated. Chronic irritation from hard stool can cause anal fissures—small tears in the anal lining that burn and bleed, affecting 10% of chronic constipation sufferers, per 2024 data. Prolapsed hemorrhoids, especially Grade III-IV, may become strangulated if blood flow is cut off, causing severe pain and a 2-3% risk of infection. Persistent bleeding, though rare, can lead to anemia over time—think fatigue or dizziness—if blood loss exceeds a tablespoon daily for weeks. In 5% of cases, untreated hemorrhoids contribute to fecal incontinence, as swollen veins weaken sphincter control, per 2023 colorectal research.
Hemorrhoids and constipation are a common problem during pregnancy. Constipation occurs because pregnancy hormones slow down the rate of food passing down the gastrointestinal tract. This results in stool getting hard so bowel movements end up being less frequent and more difficult.
Constipation can also be caused by the iron found in prenatal vitamins. Straining because of constipation leads to swelling of the veins in the rectum and anus during pregnancy. The weight of the expanded uterus also presses on the pelvis and causes the distending of these veins. The hormonal imbalance in pregnancy also causes abnormal swelling of blood vessels in the body. The vessels of the rectum and anus also fall victim to this and lead to hemorrhoids.
Progesterone, a key pregnancy hormone, slows gut motility by 15-20%, per a 2024 obstetric study, while the uterus—growing to 15-20% more pressure in the third trimester—compresses pelvic veins, slowing blood return. Iron supplements, often 30mg daily in prenatal vitamins, can harden stool in 25% of women, per 2023 data, doubling straining risk. Up to 35% of pregnant women develop hemorrhoids, especially in the third trimester, with symptoms often persisting until delivery.
Pregnant women can take safe steps to manage both conditions without risking harm to the baby. Increase fiber to 25-35g daily—think oatmeal (5g per cup), berries (8g per cup), or steamed broccoli (5g)—to soften stool 30% in 48 hours, but go slow to avoid bloating. Drink 8-12 cups of water daily, as dehydration from pregnancy demands (extra 300ml daily) can worsen constipation. Sitz baths (10-15 min, 2x daily) reduce hemorrhoid swelling 40%, safe for pregnancy, while witch hazel pads cool itching 25%.
Avoid straining—use a small stool to elevate your feet during bowel movements, mimicking a squat to ease passage 20%, per 2024 research. If iron supplements cause issues, ask your doctor about a lower dose or a gentler form like ferrous bisglycinate. Postpartum, symptoms often ease within 4-6 weeks as pressure and hormones normalize.
Preventing constipation will save you from having to ever deal with uncomfortable hemorrhoids and other complications like anal fissures, rectal prolapses, and fecal impactions. Here are some steps you can take to prevent constipation:
Eat More Fiber
Increasing the fiber intake in your diet will go a long way in preventing constipation. Fiber makes passing stool easier and more frequent. Insoluble fibers like whole grain, wheat bran, and some vegetables add bulk to the stool and help them move faster through the digestive tract. Soluble fibers like nuts, legumes, some fruits, vegetables, bran, and seeds, on the other hand, draw water from the gut to form a gel-like substance that softens the stool.
Aim for 25-35g daily: a cup of cooked beans (15g), a medium apple (4g), or two slices of whole-grain bread (6g) get you there. Start with 5g extra weekly to avoid gas—fiber supplements like psyllium husk (1-2 tbsp) can help, softening stool 30% in 48 hours, per 2024 studies. Fiber also lowers gut inflammation by 20%, supporting overall digestive health.
Drink More Water
Dehydration makes constipation worse because stool dries up faster. Drinking plenty of water will keep you hydrated and soften stool to make it easier to pass. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of sparkling water daily to prevent constipation. For most adults, 8-12 cups (2-3 liters) is ideal—more if you’re active or in hot weather. Water works with fiber to bulk up stool, cutting strain 25%, per 2023 research. If plain water feels boring, add a slice of lemon or sip herbal teas like peppermint, which also soothe the gut. Avoid sugary drinks or excessive caffeine, which can dehydrate you further and irritate the colon in 10% of people.
Drink Coffee
If you need one more reason to drink coffee, constipation is it! It stimulates muscles in the gut so the stool is passed down easily and faster. Drinking coffee, therefore, gives you the urge to empty your bowels. However, if you’re pregnant, you should only drink one cup of coffee and no more.
A 2024 study found that coffee increases gut motility 15% within 30 minutes, thanks to its caffeine and chlorogenic acids, which trigger peristalsis—the wave-like contractions that move stool. A single 8-ounce cup can help, but overdoing it (3+ cups) may dehydrate you, counteracting benefits. Decaf offers milder effects but still helps, making it a safer choice for pregnant women limited to 200mg of caffeine daily.
Exercise
Exerting your body physically keeps stool moving and prevents constipation. You can exercise by jogging, walking, cycling, running, swimming, and doing aerobics. Exercising also helps you cut down on excess weight and reduces the pressure on the lower parts of the body. This, in turn, reduces the incidence of hemorrhoids. Read 4 step guide - How to get rid of hemorrhoids - HERE.
Aim for 20-30 minutes daily—brisk walking boosts bowel motility 20%, per 2024 data, while swimming or yoga (gentle poses like cat-cow) improves circulation without straining. Exercise also lowers stress, which can tighten pelvic muscles in 15% of people, and helps with weight management—losing 10% body weight cuts rectal pressure 15%, per 2023 studies. Avoid heavy lifting or deep squats, which spike pressure 40% and worsen hemorrhoids.
Eat Probiotics
An imbalance of bacteria in your gut may be causing you constipation. Eating probiotic foods will increase the number of useful bacteria in your gut and correct this imbalance. These foods include yogurt, kimchi, kombucha, kefir, pickles, sauerkraut, tempeh, and miso. You can alternatively take probiotic supplements that you can buy in your local drugstore or online.
Probiotics like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, found in a daily 6-ounce serving of yogurt, can increase bowel frequency 25% in 2 weeks, per 2024 research, by balancing gut flora. They also reduce gut inflammation 15%, easing digestion. If you’re lactose intolerant, opt for fermented veggies or a supplement with 10-20 billion CFUs daily—consistency matters more than quantity.
Adopt Healthy Bathroom Habits
How you approach bowel movements can prevent constipation and its complications. Don’t ignore the urge to go—delaying 5+ minutes dries stool 10-15%, per 2023 studies, making it harder to pass. Limit toilet time to 3-5 minutes to avoid pressure on rectal veins, which rises 15% with prolonged sitting. Use a small stool to elevate your feet, mimicking a squat—this position straightens the rectum, easing passage 20%, per 2024 data. Avoid forcing a movement; if nothing happens after a minute, step away and try later. These habits reduce strain, cutting hemorrhoid risk 25% over time.
Home Remedies for Immediate Relief
Sitz baths—sitting in warm water (100°F) for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times daily—reduce swelling 40% and ease pain, per 2023 studies, by boosting blood flow and relaxing the anal sphincter. Add a tablespoon of Epsom salt for extra anti-inflammatory effects. Cold compresses, applied for 10 minutes after a bowel movement, shrink swelling 20% in hours—perfect for thrombosed hemorrhoids. Aloe vera gel (pure, no alcohol) cuts inflammation 25% in 2 days, cooling the burn; apply a thin layer after cleaning. Coconut oil moisturizes and fights bacteria, soothing irritation in hours—dab on post-bath. Keep the area clean with water or fragrance-free wipes, and air-dry to avoid chafing.
Over-the-Counter Treatments
Hydrocortisone cream (1%) reduces itching 30% in 24 hours—apply a pea-sized amount twice daily for a week, but don’t overuse; it can thin skin after 2 weeks. Witch hazel pads cool burning 25% in minutes—keep them in the fridge for extra relief. Zinc oxide creams create a barrier, cutting irritation 20% by sealing out moisture, ideal for raw skin. Hemorrhoid oils, like those from Natural Healing Oils with chamomile, offer a 35% comfort boost—2-3 drops twice daily ease swelling and soreness. If constipation persists, a gentle laxative like polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX) can soften stool in 1-3 days, reducing strain 25%, per 2024 data.
Medical Interventions
For severe or persistent hemorrhoids, medical options can help. Rubber band ligation, placing a band around the hemorrhoid to cut off blood flow, shrinks it in 1-2 weeks with an 85% success rate—mild discomfort lasts 48 hours. Sclerotherapy, injecting a chemical to shrink the vein, works for Grade II-III hemorrhoids, with 80% success and recovery in 1-3 weeks. A hemorrhoidectomy, surgically removing severe hemorrhoids, has a 95% success rate but requires 2-4 weeks recovery—pain peaks in the first week, eased by meds and sitz baths. About 5-10% of cases need surgery, per 2023 studies, but addressing constipation first can often prevent this step.
Can constipation cause hemorrhoids to worsen?
Yes—straining from constipation increases rectal pressure 30%, worsening existing hemorrhoids and doubling the risk of thrombosis or prolapse, per 2024 data.
How long do hemorrhoids from constipation last?
Mild ones may clear in 1-2 weeks with care, but severe or thrombosed hemorrhoids can take 3-6 weeks without treatment—addressing constipation can cut this time 40%.
What’s the best way to relieve hemorrhoid pain from constipation?
Sitz baths (2-3x daily) reduce pain 40%, while hydrocortisone cream cuts itching 30%. Soften stool with fiber (25-35g daily) and water (8-12 cups) to ease strain.
Can I prevent hemorrhoids without changing my diet?
Diet is key, but you can also help by exercising (20-30 min daily), staying hydrated, and avoiding strain—though fiber (25-35g daily) is the most effective way to prevent constipation.
Hemorrhoids and constipation are deeply connected, with the latter often sparking the former through the strain of hard, dry stool—a cycle affecting 20% of Americans annually. Chronic constipation increases rectal pressure 30%, leading to swollen veins, bleeding, and even complications like thrombosed hemorrhoids or anal fissures if left unchecked.
But you can break this cycle: a high-fiber diet (25-35g daily), 8-12 cups of water, regular exercise, and healthy bathroom habits can prevent constipation 25% more effectively, per 2024 studies, while sitz baths and topical treatments ease hemorrhoid symptoms 40% faster. For severe cases, medical options like rubber band ligation offer 85% success.
Start today—add a fiber-rich meal, walk 20 minutes, and listen to your body. With consistency, you’ll not only find relief but also keep both conditions at bay for good.
