The Connection Between Constipation and Hemorrhoids: Why One Often Leads to the Other

If you've ever dealt with constipation and hemorrhoids at the same time, you've probably wondered whether the two are connected.

The answer is yes.

In fact, constipation is one of the most common factors associated with hemorrhoid flare-ups.

That doesn't mean every person with constipation will develop hemorrhoids, and it doesn't mean constipation is the only cause. But when bowel movements become difficult, the extra pressure they create can place additional stress on the veins in and around the rectum.

Over time, that pressure can contribute to hemorrhoids or make existing hemorrhoids more uncomfortable.

The encouraging news is that constipation is also one of the areas where simple daily habits can make a meaningful difference. Understanding how constipation and hemorrhoids are connected is one of the first steps toward breaking the cycle. Once people understand this connection, they often feel empowered to make small changes that have a lasting impact on their digestive health.

What Is Constipation?

Most people think constipation simply means not going to the bathroom every day. But constipation is actually about more than frequency.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), constipation generally refers to bowel movements that are difficult to pass, infrequent, or leave you feeling like you haven't completely emptied your bowels.

Common signs of constipation include:

• Hard, dry stools
• Straining during bowel movements
• Fewer than three bowel movements per week
• A feeling of incomplete emptying
• Bloating or abdominal discomfort

Some people experience constipation only occasionally. Others deal with it regularly. When constipation becomes persistent, it's often referred to as chronic constipation.

Regardless of how often it occurs, constipation can become frustrating on its own. When hemorrhoids are added to the picture, it can make every trip to the bathroom something you dread.

How Does Constipation Cause Hemorrhoids?

This is where the connection becomes much easier to understand.

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum or around the anus. When stool becomes hard or difficult to pass, many people naturally strain during bowel movements. That repeated straining increases pressure inside the rectum.

Imagine squeezing a balloon over and over again. Eventually, the pressure begins to affect the weakest areas. Something similar can happen with the veins around the rectum.

Repeated pressure doesn't guarantee you'll develop hemorrhoids, but it can contribute to their development or make existing hemorrhoids more noticeable.

Constipation may also cause people to spend more time sitting on the toilet while trying to have a bowel movement. That extra time can place additional pressure on the veins as well.

It's often not just one thing. It's the combination of harder stools, increased straining, and prolonged time on the toilet that creates the perfect conditions for hemorrhoid flare-ups.

The Cycle Many People Get Stuck In

One thing we've noticed over the years is that constipation and hemorrhoids often feed into each other.

It usually starts with constipation. Passing a bowel movement becomes uncomfortable, so you strain more than usual. That increased pressure can irritate hemorrhoids or contribute to a new flare-up. Now using the bathroom becomes painful.

Because it hurts, you may start avoiding bowel movements or waiting longer than you should. Unfortunately, that often makes constipation worse. The longer stool remains in the colon, the more water is absorbed from it, making it harder and more difficult to pass. Now the next bowel movement requires even more straining. And the cycle continues.

Many people don't realize they're caught in this pattern. They're treating the hemorrhoids but not addressing the constipation that's helping keep the cycle going. Breaking that cycle is often an important part of supporting long-term hemorrhoid health.

Can Chronic Constipation Make Hemorrhoids Worse?

For many people, yes.

Occasional constipation can sometimes trigger a flare-up. But chronic constipation means those same stresses are happening again and again. Repeated straining. Repeated pressure. Repeated irritation.

That's one reason healthcare providers often recommend addressing constipation as part of a broader approach to managing hemorrhoids. It's not simply about making bowel movements more comfortable. It's about reducing one of the factors that can continue aggravating hemorrhoids over time.

How to Break the Constipation and Hemorrhoid Cycle

If constipation is contributing to your hemorrhoids, the goal isn't simply to get through the next bowel movement. It's to create habits that make constipation less likely in the first place. Small, consistent changes often make a bigger difference over time than trying to find one quick fix. Here are some of the habits healthcare providers commonly recommend.

Eat Enough Fiber

If there's one thing that consistently appears in hemorrhoid and constipation guidelines, it's fiber. Fiber helps add bulk and softness to stool, making bowel movements easier to pass and reducing the need to strain.

Unfortunately, many people don't get enough fiber each day. According to the NIDDK, adults should aim for approximately 22 to 34 grams of fiber per day, depending on age and sex. Most Americans fall well short of that recommendation.

Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, beans and legumes, whole grains, and nuts and seeds. Some people also choose to use a fiber supplement if they're not consistently getting enough fiber through food alone. If you increase your fiber intake, it's generally best to do so gradually and drink plenty of water along with it.

If you're looking for a simple way to increase your daily fiber intake, Easy-Flow Fiber was designed to support healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. We break the different types of fiber down further in our companion guide, Best Fiber for Hemorrhoids: What Actually Works?

Stay Hydrated

Fiber and water work together. Without enough fluids, fiber can't do its job as effectively. Drinking enough water helps keep stools softer and easier to pass, which may reduce the need for straining.

The exact amount of water each person needs varies based on activity level, climate, and overall health, but making hydration part of your daily routine is one of the simplest ways to support healthy digestion.

Don't Ignore the Urge to Go

Life gets busy. It's easy to tell yourself you'll use the bathroom later. But delaying bowel movements gives your body more time to absorb water from the stool, making it harder and drier. That can make constipation worse. Listening to your body's natural signals is one small habit that can make bowel movements easier over time.

Avoid Unnecessary Straining

Many people don't realize how often they strain during bowel movements. Sometimes it's because they're constipated. Sometimes it's simply because they're rushing. If nothing is happening after a few minutes, it's usually better to get up and try again later rather than continuing to strain. Giving your body time often works better than forcing it.

Stay Physically Active

Movement helps support healthy digestion. Even something as simple as a daily walk can encourage regular bowel movements for many people. You don't need an intense workout routine. The goal is simply to avoid sitting for long periods whenever possible and make regular movement part of your lifestyle.

Looking Beyond Temporary Relief

One thing we've learned over the years is that many people focus on hemorrhoids only when they have a flare-up. That's understandable. When you're uncomfortable, finding relief is naturally the priority. But once symptoms improve, it's easy to fall back into the same habits that contributed to the problem in the first place.

That's one reason we've always believed in supporting the body consistently rather than only reacting when symptoms appear. Many people choose to make healthy digestion part of their everyday routine instead of waiting until constipation becomes a problem. For some, that means eating more fiber-rich foods. Others find that a fiber supplement like Easy-Flow Fiber makes it easier to stay consistent with their daily intake.

Some people also choose to support healthy veins and circulation as part of their long-term routine. That's one of the reasons we developed Hem Hero, which brings together ingredients studied for supporting healthy veins and circulation in one thoughtfully formulated supplement. If you want to dig into the research behind them, our guide on what ingredients actually help hemorrhoids is a good place to start. Neither product was designed to be a quick fix. They were created to support the healthy habits that often make the biggest difference over time.

The Bottom Line

Constipation and hemorrhoids are closely connected. When constipation leads to harder stools, increased straining, or spending more time on the toilet, it can place additional pressure on the veins around the rectum and contribute to hemorrhoid flare-ups.

The encouraging news is that constipation is also something you can often influence through healthy daily habits. Eating enough fiber. Drinking plenty of water. Staying active. Avoiding unnecessary straining. Responding when your body tells you it's time to go.

These habits may seem simple, but together they help create an environment that supports healthy digestion and may reduce one of the most common contributors to recurring hemorrhoids. The goal isn't just to get through today's flare-up. It's to build habits that help you spend less time thinking about hemorrhoids altogether. If you want to see how the pieces fit together, start at the Hem Healer homepage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can constipation cause hemorrhoids?

Constipation doesn't guarantee you'll develop hemorrhoids, but it can increase your risk. Hard stools and straining during bowel movements place extra pressure on the veins around the rectum, which may contribute to hemorrhoids or make existing ones worse.

Can hemorrhoids cause constipation?

Hemorrhoids don't usually cause constipation directly. However, painful hemorrhoids may make some people delay bowel movements because they're worried about discomfort. That delay can make constipation worse by allowing stools to become harder and more difficult to pass.

How can I stop constipation from making my hemorrhoids worse?

Many healthcare providers recommend focusing on habits that support healthy digestion, including eating enough fiber, staying hydrated, being physically active, and avoiding unnecessary straining during bowel movements.

Is fiber really that important for hemorrhoids?

Fiber is one of the most commonly recommended lifestyle changes for people experiencing hemorrhoids because it helps soften stools and makes bowel movements easier to pass. That can reduce the need for straining, which is an important part of long-term hemorrhoid prevention.

Should I take a fiber supplement?

Some people are able to get enough fiber through their diet, while others find a fiber supplement helpful for reaching their daily fiber goals. If you're considering a supplement, it's generally recommended to increase fiber gradually and drink plenty of water.

References

• American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Hemorrhoids. Diseases of the Colon & Rectum. 2024. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38294832
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Constipation. niddk.nih.gov
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Hemorrhoids. niddk.nih.gov
• Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Laxatives for the Treatment of Hemorrhoids. 2005. cochrane.org

This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Hemorrhoid supplements are intended to support healthy veins, circulation, and digestion as part of a broader routine and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a healthcare professional about your symptoms, especially if you experience heavy or persistent bleeding, severe pain, or symptoms that don't improve.