Do hemorrhoids cause diarrhea?

Introduction

It’s natural to wonder if there’s a connection between hemorrhoids and diarrhea. After all, both conditions involve the bottom end of the digestive tract and can be uncomfortable or embarrassing to talk about. Fortunately, the answer is straightforward: hemorrhoids themselves do not cause diarrhea. However, chronic diarrhea can contribute to the development or worsening of hemorrhoids.

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus. They can be internal or external, and they often result from increased pressure on the veins in this area. Common factors include chronic constipation or diarrhea, straining during bowel movements, pregnancy, heavy lifting, prolonged sitting, a low‑fiber diet and obesity. When the veins swell, they may cause itching, discomfort, pain or bleeding.

How hemorrhoids develop

When you strain to pass stool because of constipation or diarrhea, the extra pressure on the veins around the rectum causes them to enlarge. Over time, the irritated veins can become hemorrhoids. Johns Hopkins Medicine explains that chronic constipation or diarrhea is a risk factor for hemorrhoids. This means that if you frequently have loose stools or diarrhea, you might be more likely to develop hemorrhoids … but the hemorrhoids themselves aren’t producing the diarrhea.

How diarrhea contributes to hemorrhoids

Diarrhea creates frequent bowel movements and loose stools. The repeated wiping and irritation can inflame the delicate skin around the anus. Liquid stools may also contain digestive enzymes that irritate the anal area. Combined with straining and sitting on the toilet for long periods, this irritation may lead to swollen veins and hemorrhoids.

Do hemorrhoids cause diarrhea?