They can cause symptoms such as itching, pain, and bleeding.
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.
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Factors that could affect the development of constipation include:
Can Constipation Cause Hemorrhoids?
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.
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.
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.
Avoiding straining on the toilet can help prevent hemorrhoids and, in turn, constipation.
Can Hemorrhoids Affect Bowel Movements in Other Ways?
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.
Sitting on the toilet for too long and straining can further make hemorrhoids more swollen.
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.
This could worsen the pain and discomfort.
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.
Hemorrhoids and constipation have a bidirectional relationship, and they can each cause the other to worsen.
Seeking help from a healthcare provider may be necessary for people whose symptoms don’t respond to home remedies.
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.
