Can Hemorrhoids Cause Constipation? What to Know

Short answer: Hemorrhoids don't directly cause constipation, but the pain of hemorrhoids often leads people to hold back from bowel movements — making constipation worse.

The Vicious Cycle

1. Constipation causes straining
2. Straining inflames hemorrhoids
3. Painful hemorrhoids make you afraid to go
4. Holding stool makes it harder and drier
5. Hard stool causes more straining
6. Cycle continues and worsens

How to Break the Cycle

1. Treat the Hemorrhoids First

Use a numbing cream like Revivol-XR with lidocaine so bowel movements aren't painful.

2. Soften Stools

Stool softener (docusate sodium) plus fiber and water.

3. Go When You Need To

Don't hold it — holding makes stool harder and worsens both problems.

4. Use a Footstool

Squatty Potty position straightens your colon. Easier passage, less straining.

5. Sitz Baths

15-20 min in warm water relaxes pelvic muscles and reduces pain.

Can Hemorrhoids Block Bowel Movements?

Very large prolapsed hemorrhoids can occasionally cause incomplete emptying or feeling of obstruction. This needs medical evaluation.

Foods That Help Both

• Berries (8g fiber/cup)
• Pears with skin
• Beans and lentils
• Oats
• Leafy greens
• Prunes
• 8+ glasses of water daily

When to See a Doctor

• Constipation lasting more than a week
• Persistent hemorrhoid bleeding
• Severe pain
• Hemorrhoid that won't reduce back in
• Changes in stool shape or color

FAQ

Can hemorrhoids cause incomplete emptying?

Yes — large internal hemorrhoids can give a sensation of fullness.

What's the fastest fix?

Treat the hemorrhoid pain (lidocaine cream) so you can actually have bowel movements normally again.

For fast pain relief that helps break the cycle, Revivol-XR at hemorrhoid.com.