Hemorrhoids & Constipation

Chronic constipation often leads to hemorrhoids but not always, while many people that do have hemorrhoids often suffer from chronic constipation. For one, constipation puts a lot of pressure on the intestinal tissues and cause varicose veins to develop, leading to hemorrhoids. The longer the constipation, the more inflamed the veins will becomehemorrhoids and constipation and the more painful it will be to pass stool. Constipation also makes it difficult to move bowels and one often has to strain when doing so. Constant straining will eventually lead to hemorrhoids. It is also hard for the varicose veins to heal when a person is constipated, and even if the hemorrhoid is treated, chronic constipation will only cause the hemorrhoids to recur. In general, the constipated person has higher chances of developing hemorrhoids than a person who is not or has not been constipated.

Vicious cycle

Every time the hardened stool caused by constipation passes by the already inflamed veins, the veins will become even more irritated and inflamed and cause pain and discomfort. Moving bowels can thus be painful for those with hemorrhoids; some have the urge to put off their bowel movement because of how much it hurts. Doing so however will lead to even more constipation and thus worsen hemorrhoids, creating a vicious cycle that is hard to break.

Breaking the cycle

Constipation and hemorrhoids should be treated at the same time to keep both from recurring and for ensuring complete relief and healing. The best way to break the constipation-hemorrhoid cycle is to increase the intake of dietary fiber and to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to promote healthy bowel movement. Eating a lot of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and cereals will add bulk to the stool and improve its consistency, making it easier and a lot less painful to pass. Those with hemorrhoids should also avoid consuming nuts, spicy foods, alcohol and caffeine as these can inflame and aggravate hemorrhoids all the more. To avoid straining while passing stool, one can keep the feet elevated during bowel movement as this makes the stool easier to pass based on the human anatomy.


Some people still experience chronic constipation and hemorrhoids even with proper diet and exercise. In this case, there are non-surgical therapies and treatments recommended by doctors such as fiber supplements and herbal medications. These treatments help soften the stool and often contain more fiber than natural foods. Others serve as anti-inflammatory treatments for easing the pain of hemorrhoids while others are mild or natural laxatives. Take note that powerful laxatives such as senna leaves will only worsen hemorrhoids since they cause strain and stress on the veins. Ointments and suppositories such as Anusol and Preparation H are also available for protecting the mucosa and lubricating the anus and providing instant relief from hemorrhoids. Other recommended treatments include sitz baths, where one sits in a warm bath of Sitz solution for 15 to 20 minutes a day to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Proper hygiene is also very important; the area should be clean and dry after bowel movements to avoid irritation.