Okay, let's cut to the chase. You're probably here because you're dealing with hemorrhoids, and suddenly you're spending way too much time in the bathroom struggling to go. Or maybe it's the other way around – your constipation feels like it's tearing you apart (literally). Either way, you're wondering: can hemorrhoids make you constipated? The short, slightly annoying answer? Absolutely. And it's a nasty cycle that traps way more people than you'd think.
I remember my first major flare-up a few years back. After a particularly bad bout of constipation (thanks, vacation diet), I developed these awful, itchy lumps. Then, because going to the bathroom felt like passing broken glass, I started... well, holding it in. Guess what happened next? More constipation, worse hemorrhoids. Rinse and repeat. It was miserable. Turns out, this back-and-forth torture is super common, but nobody talks about it over coffee.
The Messy Connection: Hemorrhoids and Constipation Explained
Think of hemorrhoids and constipation as terrible roommates who constantly enable each other's worst habits. Here’s how they feed off each other:
- The Pain-Fear-Strain Trap: When you have swollen hemorrhoids (especially internal ones), passing stool hurts. A lot. Your brain, being smart, says "Nope!" and you unconsciously delay bowel movements. Stool sits in your colon longer, gets harder and drier, and boom – constipation. Then, when you finally go, you strain like crazy, putting more pressure on those poor veins, making hemorrhoids angrier. Vicious cycle initiated.
- Straining is Public Enemy #1: Whether constipation came first or not, straining to pass hard stool is the #1 cause of hemorrhoids. It's like blowing up a balloon – too much pressure makes veins bulge. Once they're there, they make everything harder (pun slightly intended).
- Fullness Feeling Foolery: Big internal hemorrhoids can actually bulge into the rectum, giving you this constant, annoying sensation that you need to poop, even when you don't. You might sit there pushing fruitlessly, causing more irritation and swelling. Talk about counterproductive.
So, to answer that burning question can hemorrhoids make you constipated? Yes, they absolutely can and do, primarily through pain avoidance and mechanical blockage.
Fun story (not really): After my third day of "I'll just go later," my partner found me doing bizarre pelvic floor stretches I'd googled at 2 AM. Desperation makes you creative. Didn't help much, though – the real fix came later.
Spotting the Warning Signs
How do you know if you're stuck in this loop? Watch for these red flags:
- Bathroom trips feel like a battle you're losing
- Seeing bright red blood on the TP (or in the bowl)
- That nagging "gotta go" feeling even after you've gone
- Hard, pebble-like poop more than occasionally
- Using laxatives more than twice a week just to function
Breaking Free: Your Action Plan
You don't have to live like this. Breaking the cycle requires tackling BOTH issues simultaneously. Here’s what actually works, based on research and my own trial-and-error (emphasis on the errors):
Become a Fiber Fanatic (But Do It Right)
Everyone yells "Eat more fiber!" but nobody tells you how. Mess this up, and you'll be gassier than a hot air balloon. The goal is 25-35g daily, but increase SLOWLY – like 5g extra every 3 days. Mix soluble and insoluble:
| Fiber Type | Best Sources | How It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Soluble Fiber | Oats, chia seeds, apples, psyllium husk (Metamucil) | Forms gel, softens stool, avoids hard lumps |
| Insoluble Fiber | Whole wheat bran, veggies, flaxseeds, almonds | Adds bulk, keeps things moving steadily |
My go-to breakfast during flares: Overnight oats with shredded zucchini (trust me, you won't taste it), chia seeds, and a spoon of psyllium. It sounds gross but saved me during my last flare-up.
Hydration Hacks That Don't Feel Like Chore
Water is non-negotiable. If your stool isn't hydrated, fiber turns into concrete in your gut. Aim for 2-3 liters daily:
- Start with a big glass BEFORE coffee
- Herbal teas count (peppermint is great for digestion)
- Eat water-heavy foods – cucumber, watermelon, celery
- If you hate plain water, add lemon/lime slices or mint
I keep a marked water bottle on my desk – seeing "10 AM" on it shames me into drinking.
Movement That Matters (No Gym Required)
Sitting all day slows your gut. You don't need CrossFit – just consistent movement:
- Daily 20-minute walks (after meals is ideal)
- Gentle yoga poses like Child's Pose or Wind-Relieving Pose
- Even rocking in a chair helps stimulate peristalsis
Over-the-Counter Relief That Won't Wreck Your Wallet
When the cycle is bad, sometimes diet isn't enough. Here are proven OTC helpers:
For Constipation Relief
| Product | Active Ingredient | How It Works | Price Range | My Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MiraLAX | Polyethylene glycol | Osmotic - draws water into stool | $12-$18 | Gentle, no cramps. Takes 1-3 days. |
| Colace Capsules | Docusate Sodium | Stool softener - lets water mix with fat | $8-$15 | Good for maintenance, slower than MiraLAX. |
| Heather's Tummy Fiber | Acacia Senegal Fiber | Soluble fiber, low gas | $20-$25 | Expensive but worth it for sensitive guts. |
Avoid stimulant laxatives like Dulcolax long-term! They can make your bowels lazy.
For Hemorrhoid Relief
| Product | Type | Key Ingredients | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation H Ointment | Topical | Shark liver oil, Phenylephrine | Swelling/itch reduction | $6-$9 |
| Tucks Medicated Pads | Wipe | Witch Hazel | Cleaning/soothing after BM | $5-$8 |
| Anusol HC Suppositories | Suppository | Hydrocortisone | Internal swelling & pain | $10-$14 |
Pro tip: Keep Tucks pads in the fridge. Cold witch hazel on throbbing hemorrhoids feels like heaven.
Advanced Tactics: When Basic Fixes Aren't Enough
If you've been stuck in the "hemorrhoids make me constipated" loop for months, try these:
Toilet Retraining 101
- Timing: Go when you first feel the urge – delaying makes stool harder.
- Posture: Use a squat stool (like Squatty Potty, $25-$40). Knees above hips relaxes the rectum.
- Duration: Don't sit longer than 5 minutes. If nothing happens, get up.
- No Distractions: Leave your phone outside. Seriously.
Pain Management Without Pills
Sitting baths (sitz baths) are magic. Use warm water 10-15 mins, 2-3x/day:
- Portable options: Frida Mom Sitz Bath ($15) fits any toilet
- Add Epsom salts or baking soda for extra soothing
FAQs: Real Questions from People in the Trenches
Q: How long before hemorrhoids stop making me constipated if I fix things?
A: Usually 1-2 weeks if you're consistent with fiber, water, and avoiding straining. Hemorrhoids take longer to shrink (2-6 weeks), but pain reduction happens faster.
Q: Can constipation CAUSE hemorrhoids to bleed more?
A: Absolutely. Hard stool scraping against swollen veins is like sandpaper on a blister. Softening stool is crucial to stop bleeding.
Q: I'm scared to poop because it hurts – what can I do immediately?
A> Try petroleum jelly around the anus before going. It reduces friction. Also, breathe OUT while passing stool – holding breath increases pressure.
Q: Are there foods that make the "hemorrhoids causing constipation" cycle worse?
A> Yes! Dairy (for some people), red meat, processed carbs, and unripe bananas bind you up. Spicy foods and caffeine irritate hemorrhoids.
Q: If hemorrhoids make it hard to poop, could that become a permanent issue?
A> Not usually permanent, but chronic avoidance can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction. If simple fixes don't work in 4 weeks, see a GI doc or pelvic floor PT.
When It's Time to Call the Doctor
Most hemorrhoid-constipation cycles improve with home care. But don't tough it out if you notice:
- Bleeding that's heavy or dark (like coffee grounds)
- Severe pain that prevents sitting or walking
- Lump that won't go back inside (thrombosed hemorrhoid)
- Weight loss or fever with symptoms
- No improvement after 4 weeks of consistent effort
Treatments they might suggest:
- Rubber Band Ligation: Cuts off blood supply to internal hemorrhoids. Quick office procedure. Costs $300-$800 per session.
- Infrared Coagulation: Shrinks hemorrhoids with heat. Less painful than banding. $200-$500 per session.
- Prescription Stool Softeners: Stronger than OTC if chronic constipation persists.
Keeping the Cycle Broken for Good
Once you're out of the woods, maintenance is key. My daily routine now:
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed in morning smoothie
- 1.5 liters water before lunch
- 15-min walk after dinner
- Never ignore the urge to go
It’s been 18 months since my last major flare. When I slack on water or fiber for a few days, I definitely feel things "slowing down." But catching it early avoids restarting the whole "can hemorrhoids cause constipation" nightmare.
Look, this is a crappy situation (sorry). But understanding how hemorrhoids can make you constipated – and vice versa – is half the battle. Be patient. Consistency beats intensity here. Your butt will thank you.