Hemorrhoid-friendly bathroom habits can make bowel movements far less painful. Here's how to go without making your hemorrhoids worse.
The Right Way to Poop with Hemorrhoids
1. Use a Footstool
A Squatty Potty or any 7-inch stool raises your knees above your hips, straightening the colon. Result: less straining, easier passage.
2. Don't Hold It
When you feel the urge, go. Holding back makes stools harder and worsens hemorrhoids.
3. Don't Strain
If nothing's happening in 2-3 minutes, get up and try again later.
4. Limit Toilet Time
Max 5 minutes. Sitting longer puts pressure on hemorrhoidal veins.
5. No Phone on Toilet
Scrolling extends sitting time. Studies link smartphone use to hemorrhoid risk.
6. Apply Numbing Cream Before
Revivol-XR with 5% lidocaine before BM can make passage much less painful.
7. Lean Forward Slightly
Reduces pressure on the perineum.
What to Do AFTER
- Don't use dry toilet paper — use moist wipes or peri bottle
- Pat dry, don't rub
- Apply hemorrhoid cream
- Sitz bath if very irritated
Foods to Make Pooping Easier
- Pears, prunes, berries
- Oats and whole grains
- Beans and lentils
- Lots of water (8+ glasses)
- Stool softener if needed
When to See a Doctor
- Heavy bleeding
- Inability to have a BM despite needing one
- Severe pain that doesn't improve
- Hard, painful lump
FAQ
Why does it hurt so much?
Pressure from passing stool against inflamed hemorrhoids causes pain.
Best fast relief?
Lidocaine cream before, sitz bath after.
For painful BMs, Revivol-XR at hemorrhoid.com.