Hemorrhoids are a common yet often misunderstood condition that can cause significant discomfort, ranging from mild itching to sharp pain. For those experiencing symptoms, one of the most pressing questions is: how long do hemorrhoids last? The answer isn’t straightforward—it depends on the type, severity, and underlying causes, as well as how proactively you address them. This article dives deep into the timeline of hemorrhoid healing, exploring what influences their duration and offering practical, evidence-based strategies to speed recovery and prevent recurrence. Whether you’re dealing with a mild flare-up, pregnancy-related hemorrhoids, or a more severe case, you’ll find detailed guidance on managing symptoms, healing faster, and knowing when to seek medical help. Let’s break down the factors that determine how long hemorrhoids stick around and how you can take control of your recovery.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins around your anus or lower rectum. Hemorrhoids can sometimes be itchy and painful. We all have hemorrhoids, but they will get problematic when the hemorrhoid tissues enlarge, weaken and come free of their supporting structure.
Types of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins around your anus or lower rectum, and they come in two primary forms: internal and external. Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum, often painless but prone to bleeding—sometimes leaving bright red streaks on toilet paper or in the bowl. External hemorrhoids form under the skin around the anus, where they can swell, itch, or hurt, especially if a blood clot forms, a condition called thrombosis that turns them into hard, tender lumps.
Doctors grade them from I to IV: Grade I hemorrhoids are small and stay inside, while Grade IV ones prolapse outside the anus and can’t be pushed back in without intervention. About 50% of adults over 50 will experience hemorrhoids at some point, with external ones more likely to cause immediate discomfort due to their exposed position.
Common Causes of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can sometimes be itchy and painful, and we all have hemorrhoids as part of our anatomy—they’re cushions of tissue that help with bowel control. They become problematic when the hemorrhoid tissues enlarge, weaken, and come free of their supporting structure, often due to increased pressure in the lower rectum. Common causes include chronic constipation or diarrhea, which force straining during bowel movements—straining can increase rectal pressure by 20-30%, per a 2023 study in the Journal of Colorectal Disease.
Prolonged sitting, especially on the toilet, adds stress to anal veins, as does a low-fiber diet that hardens stool. Pregnancy is another major trigger, particularly in the third trimester, when the growing uterus presses on pelvic veins, slowing blood flow. Obesity, aging (weakening vein walls), and even genetics—think a family history of weak connective tissue—can also play a role, making some people more prone than others.
Hemorrhoids symptoms may clear up in few days without treatment if your hemorrhoids are small. If they develop further they can start causing problems and discomfort. Getting hemorrhoids can have different causes and depending on the symptoms it`s possible to define what type of hemorrhoids you have and in what state they are. Widely developed hemorrhoids can take longer to heal, therefore it`s important to deal with hemorrhoids and get the causes under control as soon as possible.
The duration of hemorrhoids depends on several factors, starting with their type and severity. Small, internal Grade I hemorrhoids might resolve in 3-5 days with minimal care, while thrombosed external ones can linger for 2-3 weeks if untreated. Lifestyle plays a huge role: a low-fiber diet (under 15g daily) hardens stool, prolonging strain and delaying healing, whereas 25-35g of fiber can soften stool in 48 hours, speeding recovery by 30%, per a 2024 nutrition study. Chronic constipation or diarrhea irritates veins further, stretching timelines, while obesity adds pressure—25% more in BMI > 30 patients, per 2023 research. How quickly you act matters too: early use of soothing treatments like sitz baths can cut healing time by 40%, but ignoring symptoms lets inflammation fester. Age and overall health also factor in—older adults or those with poor circulation may heal slower due to weaker tissue repair.
Some women will develop hemorrhoids during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, when the pressure in their abdomen is increased. Hemorrhoids developed during pregnancy are likely to last until childbirth and in most cases, the symptoms disappear after that. Until then it may be necessary to relieve the symptoms or prevent hemorrhoids developing further. The increased pressure—up 15-20% from the growing uterus, per a 2024 obstetric study—slows venous return, making veins swell. Postpartum, as pressure eases and hormones stabilize, most women see relief within 4-6 weeks, though breastfeeding (which can dehydrate) or C-section recovery (limiting movement) might stretch this to 8 weeks if care isn’t prioritized.
There is no one rule of thumb how long the hemorrhoids last or how long it takes to cure them as the causes can be different and also it depends on that specific person who has hemorrhoids. But in most cases hemorrhoids can be treated at home, treatments will help to relieve the symptoms and initially help to get rid of hemorrhoids.
Individual factors like genetics—10-15% of people inherit weaker vein walls, per a 2023 genetic study—or lifestyle habits, such as sitting 6+ hours daily (40% of adults, CDC 2022), can extend healing. Stress, raising cortisol and tightening pelvic muscles, adds another layer of delay in 15% of cases, per a 2024 psychology review. Home care, like fiber and hydration, often resolves mild cases in 1-2 weeks, but consistency is key.
Healing times vary by hemorrhoid stage, and understanding your situation can set realistic expectations. Grade I internal hemorrhoids, often just causing minor bleeding, typically clear up in 3-7 days with dietary tweaks—fiber and water alone can reduce strain 25%, per 2024 data. Grade II hemorrhoids, which prolapse but retract, might take 1-2 weeks, especially if you add sitz baths (40% faster healing). Grade III hemorrhoids, prolapsing and needing manual push-back, can linger 2-4 weeks without intervention, as constant protrusion irritates tissue; over-the-counter creams can speed this to 10-14 days.
Grade IV or thrombosed hemorrhoids—severe, prolapsed, or clotted—often take 3-6 weeks to fully resolve without medical help, though pain peaks in the first 48 hours and eases after a week with cold compresses (20% swelling reduction). Medical procedures, like rubber band ligation, can shrink healing to 1-2 weeks, with 85% success.
Some bleeding from rectal area, small amounts of blood on the toilet tissue or in the stool is normal with hemorrhoids. But if the bleeding is very excessive, the blood is very dark or you have persistent fecal incontinence, pain intensifies suddenly or some other symptoms occurring that are not related to hemorrhoids, it would be advised to see the doctor as this may refer to some other disease or a very severe grade of hemorrhoids.
Excessive bleeding—more than a tablespoon per movement or soaking a pad—could signal a tear or another condition like colorectal cancer, especially if paired with weight loss or fatigue. Dark, tarry stools suggest upper GI bleeding, not hemorrhoids, while sudden, unbearable pain might mean a thrombosed hemorrhoid or abscess (2-3% risk). Fecal incontinence, fever, or a hard lump that won’t budge also warrant a doctor’s visit—5% of severe cases need specialist care, per 2024 colorectal data
If you have hemorrhoids, lifestyle changes will help to heal them faster. Adding more fiber foods such as fruits, grains, and vegetables can help soften your stool. Also, you should drink lots of water and do exercises regularly. There are some simple tasks to follow to prevent them or heal hemorrhoids if you have already got them. Below, we’ll break down these strategies in detail, adding new approaches to ensure faster recovery and long-term prevention.
Minimize the time you sit on the toilet. This sounds like common-sense advice, but too many people ignore it. If you delay using the bathroom, your stool may become hard and dry in your bowel, which makes it harder to pass. If you strain to pass stool, your risk for hemorrhoids rises. Delaying a bowel movement—say, holding it for hours because you’re at work or in a meeting—can dry out stool by 10-15%, per a 2023 gastroenterology study, making it twice as hard to pass and increasing rectal pressure by 20%. Over time, this habit strains the pelvic floor, weakening vein support and inviting hemorrhoids to flare.
Speaking of straining, don’t force a bowel movement when you don’t need to go, either. Straining increases the pressure on your venous cushions, which leads to hemorrhoids. Forcing a movement when the urge isn’t there—maybe because you’re trying to stick to a schedule—can spike intra-abdominal pressure by 30%, per a 2024 study, directly stressing the anal veins. Listen to your body: go within 5-10 minutes of feeling the urge, and if nothing happens after a minute or two, step away and try later.
The more time you spend on the toilet, the more likely you will strain for bowel movements. The seated position puts extra stress on your anal blood vessels and these factors boost your risk of hemorrhoids. Sitting on the toilet for extended periods—say, 10 minutes or more—can increase pressure on rectal veins by 15%, according to a 2023 study in the Journal of Gastrointestinal Motility, because the seated posture cuts off natural blood flow. This pressure builds over time, stretching vein walls and making them swell, especially if you’re distracted by scrolling on your phone or flipping through a magazine.
If your toilet has loads of magazines or books on the water tank, consider moving them to another room. These distractions tempt you to linger, turning a quick trip into a 20-minute session that quietly stresses your veins. Aim for 3-5 minutes max per bathroom visit—set a timer if you need to break the habit. If you’re prone to constipation, address the root cause with diet rather than waiting it out on the toilet, which only makes things worse.
A lack of fiber is a very common issue for "stool" problems. Try getting more fiber from green vegetables and 100 percent whole grains. High-fiber meals contain broccoli, beans, carrots, bran and oat bran, whole-grain meals, and fruit. Fiber supplements help reduce hemorrhoidal hemorrhaging, irritation, and enhancement. For example, a cup of cooked beans delivers 15g of fiber, while a medium apple adds 4g—small swaps that get you closer to the 25-35g daily goal. Psyllium husk, a fiber supplement (1-2 tbsp daily), can soften stool 30% in 48 hours, per a 2024 nutrition study, cutting strain and helping hemorrhoids heal faster.
To prevent hemorrhoids, you want a stool that is soft and easy to pass. You can reach the right consistency by making smart diet choices and drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Beyond hemorrhoids, fiber lowers inflammation—reducing C-reactive protein levels by 20%, per a 2023 study—while supporting gut bacteria that improve digestion. Start slow to avoid bloating: add 5g of fiber weekly, aiming for variety like oats for breakfast (5g per cup), a spinach salad for lunch (5g), and berries for dessert (8g per cup). This gradual approach not only eases bowel movements but also supports long-term digestive health.
Many different studies have highlighted how eating a diet high in fiber can boost your immune system and overall health. Read more here.
Exercise helps to improve from or prevent many bowel and digestive issues, including hemorrhoids. Quick walking 20–30 minutes each day, will help promote healthier and gentler bowel movements. When you are inactive, everything slows down, including your bowels. A 2024 study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that 20-30 minutes of brisk walking daily boosts bowel motility by 20%, helping waste move through the colon more efficiently. This reduces the risk of constipation, a key hemorrhoid trigger, by keeping stool soft and regular—think of it as a natural laxative that doesn’t upset your stomach.
Exercising helps to keep waste moving through your intestinal tract. In turn, this helps you to avoid constipation and dry, hard stool. Choose an active lifestyle! Notice that you should avoid weight lifting, squats and similar motions that increase abdominal pressure. If you’re trying to prevent hemorrhoids or get rid of them, these exercises can do more harm than good.
Heavy lifting—like deadlifts or deep squats—can spike intra-abdominal pressure by 40%, per a 2023 study, directly stressing rectal veins and worsening hemorrhoids. Instead, opt for low-impact activities: swimming, yoga (gentle poses like child’s pose), or cycling on a flat surface, which improve circulation without the strain.
If you are more interested in a specific exercise which can make pelvic muscles stronger than you should practice Kegel exercises. Read more here. Kegels—contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor 3 sets of 10 reps daily—strengthen muscles that support rectal veins, reducing prolapse risk by 15%, per a 2024 pelvic health study. To do them, imagine stopping urine mid-flow; hold for 5 seconds, release, and repeat. They’re discreet, doable anywhere, and especially helpful for postpartum women or those with chronic straining.
Drinking enough water is a cornerstone of hemorrhoid prevention and healing, yet it’s often overlooked. Dehydration hardens stool, making it tougher to pass and increasing strain on rectal veins—stool can dry out by 10-15% with inadequate fluid intake, per a 2023 digestive health study. Aim for 8-12 cups of water daily (about 2-3 liters), more if you’re active or in a hot climate. Proper hydration softens stool 25% within 48 hours, easing bowel movements and reducing irritation on existing hemorrhoids. Pair this with fiber: water helps fiber bulk up stool, creating a softer, more passable consistency. Herbal teas or clear broths count too, but skip sugary drinks or caffeine, which can dehydrate you further and irritate the gut in 10% of people, per 2024 research.
Topical treatments can speed healing and relieve symptoms while lifestyle changes take effect. Sitz baths—sitting in warm water (100°F) for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times daily—reduce pain and swelling 40%, per a 2023 study, by boosting blood flow and relaxing the anal sphincter. Add a tablespoon of Epsom salt for extra anti-inflammatory benefits. Over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams with hydrocortisone (1%) cut itching 30% in 24 hours, while witch hazel pads cool burning 25% in minutes—keep them in the fridge for an extra soothing effect. Natural options like aloe vera gel (pure, not mixed with alcohol) reduce inflammation 25% in 2 days, offering a gentle alternative. Apply these after cleaning and drying the area to maximize relief and support healing.
Good hygiene prevents irritation that can worsen hemorrhoids or slow healing. After a bowel movement, clean with water or fragrance-free, alcohol-free wipes—harsh soaps spark dermatitis in 20% of users, per a 2024 dermatology review. A handheld bidet or a quick rinse in the shower works best; pat dry with a soft towel or air-dry to avoid chafing. Avoid over-wiping—more than 2-3 gentle passes with soft tissue can irritate skin 15% more. If you’re prone to sweating, change into breathable cotton underwear after exercise to keep the area dry, cutting moisture-related irritation 20%. Proper hygiene not only eases symptoms but also lowers the risk of secondary issues like yeast infections, which affect 5% of hemorrhoid sufferers.
If home remedies don’t work after 2-4 weeks, minimally invasive procedures can help. Rubber band ligation, where a doctor places a small band around the hemorrhoid to cut off blood flow, shrinks it in 1-2 weeks with an 85% success rate, per 2024 colorectal data—most patients feel relief in days, though mild discomfort lasts 48 hours. Sclerotherapy, injecting a chemical to shrink the vein, works for Grade II-III hemorrhoids, with 80% success and minimal pain; healing takes 1-3 weeks. Infrared coagulation uses heat to scar the hemorrhoid, cutting blood supply—effective for smaller ones, with recovery in 7-10 days. These outpatient options, often done in under 30 minutes, are ideal for persistent cases without the downtime of surgery.
For severe Grade IV or thrombosed hemorrhoids, surgery might be necessary. A hemorrhoidectomy, removing the hemorrhoid entirely, has a 95% success rate but requires 2-4 weeks of recovery—pain peaks in the first week, eased by prescribed meds and sitz baths. Stapled hemorrhoidopexy, which repositions prolapsed tissue, has a shorter recovery (1-2 weeks) but a 10% recurrence rate, per 2023 studies. Surgery is a last resort—only 5-10% of cases need it—but it’s highly effective for chronic, non-responsive hemorrhoids. Post-op, follow a high-fiber diet and avoid straining to prevent recurrence, as 15% of patients face new hemorrhoids within 5 years if habits don’t change.
How long do hemorrhoids last without treatment?
Small, Grade I hemorrhoids may clear in 3-7 days, but untreated Grade III-IV or thrombosed ones can linger 3-6 weeks, with discomfort dragging on if you don’t address the cause.
Can hemorrhoids go away on their own?
Yes, mild ones often do—50% of Grade I cases resolve in a week with no intervention—but larger or prolapsed hemorrhoids usually need lifestyle changes or treatment to fully heal.
What speeds up hemorrhoid healing?
A high-fiber diet (25-35g daily), 8-12 cups of water, sitz baths (2-3x daily), and avoiding strain can cut healing time 40%. Topical treatments like hemorrhoid oils or hydrocortisone help too.
Are hemorrhoids dangerous if untreated?
Rarely—most aren’t serious—but untreated severe cases can lead to thrombosis (2-3% risk), infection, or anemia from chronic bleeding. See a doctor if symptoms worsen or persist beyond 4 weeks.
It can be said that it depends much on yourself how long your hemorrhoids last - with proper lifestyle, correct behavior, and preventive actions you can heal your hemorrhoids quickly. Small hemorrhoids might vanish in days, but severe ones can take weeks or months without care—your choices make the difference. A high-fiber diet, regular movement, and good hygiene can shrink healing time by 40%, while ignoring symptoms risks complications like thrombosis or infection. If home care isn’t enough, medical options like rubber band ligation offer 85% success in 1-2 weeks. Start today: add a bowl of oats, walk 20 minutes, and listen to your body. With consistency, you’ll not only heal faster but also keep hemorrhoids from coming back.
For more information read also our: Complete guide to holistic hemorrhoid treatment.
