Why Are Hemorrhoids So Common? Causes, Habits, and Relief
Hemorrhoids can turn a routine bathroom trip into discomfort that follows you through the day. Itching, soreness, and irritation become even more frustrating when they settle down, then return.
Hemorrhoids are common because normal tissue in and around the anus can become enlarged as pressure increases or its support weakens. Constipation, diarrhea, straining, prolonged toilet time, pregnancy, and aging can all contribute.[1]
Understanding those factors helps explain why symptoms develop—and what may help reduce flare-ups and ease the discomfort.
How Hemorrhoids Become a Problem
Everyone has hemorrhoidal tissue. These cushions of blood vessels, connective tissue, and muscle are a normal part of the anal anatomy.[2] The internal cushions help the anus close securely and support bowel control.[3]
Problems arise when this tissue enlarges, shifts out of position, or develops a blood clot. The symptoms depend partly on where that happens: internal hemorrhoids may bleed or protrude, while external hemorrhoids can cause itching, swelling, and pain. Two people can both have hemorrhoids and experience very different symptoms.[11]
Common Factors Behind Hemorrhoid Symptoms
Constipation and Straining
Hard stools often take more effort to pass. Repeated straining increases pressure in the anal region and can contribute to hemorrhoid symptoms. Low fiber intake, inadequate fluids, and limited physical activity can all contribute to the constipation behind that strain.[4][11]
Medications can play a role too. Constipation is a recognized side effect of Wegovy, for example.[5] Our guide to Ozempic and GLP-1 constipation explores how those bowel changes can contribute to hemorrhoid and fissure symptoms.
Bathroom Habits That Add Up
A phone or book can turn a quick bathroom visit into a long sit. Spending prolonged periods on the toilet is a recognized contributor to hemorrhoids. At the other extreme, repeatedly ignoring the urge to go can contribute to constipation, making the next bowel movement more difficult.[3][4]
Chronic Diarrhea
Frequent loose stools can also contribute to symptomatic hemorrhoids. Repeated bathroom trips and excessive wiping can aggravate the surrounding skin, adding soreness and irritation to an already uncomfortable situation. Bowel consistency matters at both ends of the spectrum.[1][7]
Pregnancy and Childbirth
Pregnancy brings increased pressure in the abdomen and anal region, while constipation can add further strain. Hemorrhoid symptoms may become more troublesome around delivery; ACOG notes that they often worsen immediately afterward before gradually improving during the postpartum period.[2][4][6]
Read more in our pregnancy and postpartum relief guide.
Aging and Weaker Tissue Support
The tissues supporting hemorrhoidal blood vessels can weaken with age, making enlargement and displacement more likely. This adds another reason for symptoms to develop beyond diet or bathroom habits—and helps explain why hemorrhoids become more common later in life.[1][11]
The customer excerpts throughout this article come from reviews submitted to Pranicura. Punctuation and capitalization have been lightly standardized, and longer reviews have been shortened without changing the customer’s intended meaning. Reviews describe individual experiences and are not medical evidence. Results vary.
Why Hemorrhoid Symptoms Can Keep Coming Back
A flare-up can settle while enlarged or prolapsing hemorrhoidal tissue remains. Another bout of constipation, diarrhea, or straining may aggravate it again, creating stretches of relief followed by returning symptoms.[2]
The surrounding skin can also become a continuing source of discomfort. Prolapsing internal hemorrhoids may release mucus or make cleaning after a bowel movement more difficult. Moisture and traces of stool can irritate the skin, while repeated wiping or scratching can intensify the irritation.[3]
That can create a frustrating cycle: itching leads to more wiping or scratching, which further irritates the skin and encourages more itching. Reducing bowel strain and protecting sensitive skin each address a different part of that discomfort.[7][9]
Reducing Flare-Ups and Easing Discomfort
Support Easier Bowel Movements
Fiber-rich foods and adequate fluids can help make stools softer and easier to pass. Increasing fiber gradually can help limit gas as your diet changes.[8][10]
A few bathroom and daily habits can also help reduce strain:
- Respond to the urge to go instead of repeatedly postponing it.
- Keep toilet visits brief, with phones and reading material set aside.
- Avoid prolonged pushing or holding your breath to force a bowel movement.
- Stay physically active to support bowel regularity.[4][10]
Soothe and Protect Irritated Skin
After a bowel movement, gentle cleaning with plain water and careful drying can help limit irritation. Scrubbing, repeated rubbing, and fragranced cleansing products can make sensitive skin feel worse.[7]
Warm sitz baths may ease soreness. Topical anorectal treatments can relieve mild external pain and itching, while skin protectants help shield the surrounding skin from irritants. Products should be used according to their labeling.[7][9]
When to Have Symptoms Checked
Rectal bleeding, severe anal pain, or symptoms that have not improved after a week of home care should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Confirming the cause matters because several conditions can produce similar symptoms.[9][10]
Heavy rectal bleeding or bleeding accompanied by dizziness or faintness needs emergency care.[10]
Frequently Asked Questions
Can younger adults get hemorrhoids?
Yes. Hemorrhoids can cause symptoms at any age. Constipation, straining, prolonged toilet sitting, and pregnancy can contribute in younger adults, even though the risk increases with age.[11]
Can you have hemorrhoids without constipation?
Yes. Chronic diarrhea, pregnancy, prolonged toilet sitting, and age-related changes in tissue support can also contribute. Constipation is one possible factor among several.[1]
Do hemorrhoids always bleed?
No. Some mainly cause itching, swelling, pressure, or discomfort. Bleeding is one possible symptom, and its absence does not rule out hemorrhoids.[2]
Does having hemorrhoids mean you will need surgery?
Most people with symptomatic hemorrhoids are treated without surgery. Depending on the type and severity, care may involve dietary and bathroom changes, topical symptom relief, or an office-based procedure.[2]
Hemorrhoids Are Common. Your Day Shouldn’t Revolve Around Them.
Better bowel habits help reduce strain. For the itching, burning, pain, and irritation that can linger between bathroom visits, Pranicura 5 provides relief while forming a protective barrier over sensitive skin.[12]
Find Relief →Sources
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Symptoms & Causes of Hemorrhoids.
- American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS). Hemorrhoids: Expanded Information.
- Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials. How to Prevent Hemorrhoids with Arielle Kanters, MD — Podcast Transcript.
- NIDDK. Symptoms & Causes of Constipation.
- Novo Nordisk. Wegovy: Keeping an Eye on Common Side Effects.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). What can I do for hemorrhoids during pregnancy?.
- ASCRS. Pruritis Ani Expanded Version.
- NIDDK. Eating, Diet, & Nutrition for Hemorrhoids.
- NIDDK. Treatment of Hemorrhoids.
- Mayo Clinic. Hemorrhoids: Symptoms and Causes.
- Cleveland Clinic. Hemorrhoids: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment.
- DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Pranicura 5 — Drug Facts and Product Label.
This article is for general education and does not replace personalized medical advice. Use Pranicura only as directed.