Category: Internal Hemorrhoids

Can prolonged sitting, which is uncomfortable for many people, also lead to hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus or rectum. Prolonged sitting can contribute to hemorrhoids or worsen existing ones by causing anal veins to lose elasticity and become swollen. Factors such as how long you sit and the type of surface impact how prone anal veins are to swelling and inflammation. 

Hemorrhoids are preventable, so even people who tend to sit for long periods for work or travel can avoid these issues. They’re also treatable with non-surgical options, offering long-term relief from discomfort, pain while sitting, and other symptoms.

Can Sitting Make Hemorrhoids Worse?

Yes, sitting for a long time puts extra pressure on the blood vessels in your bottom and slows the blood moving in and out of that area. This makes it harder for any existing hemorrhoids to get better and increases the chances of them getting bigger or causing more problems.

Prolonged sitting can become increasingly painful if internal hemorrhoids are prolapsed, meaning they’ve become severe enough to slip outside of the anus and don’t return to their original position on their own. 

Hemorrhoids can also take longer to heal with long periods of sitting. The extra pressure on the veins and reduced blood flow mean slower healing and a higher risk that the hemorrhoids will progress. 

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How Prolonged Sitting Impacts Hemorrhoid Development

Sitting for long periods, whether at work, during travel, while on the toilet, or for another reason, is a risk factor for hemorrhoid development. There’s pressure on the rectal area when sitting, which can be worse on a hard surface or with poor posture. Circulation also slows down, impacting the flow of blood to rectal and anal veins. 

Increased Pressure on Rectal Veins

When sitting, the muscles of the buttocks region spread out, which causes rectal and anal veins to stretch. These veins have less elasticity, making them more fragile and likely to swell.

Reduced Circulation While Sitting

Slower circulation to the pelvic region when sitting can cause blood to pool, filling the already stretched veins with blood and leading to swelling and inflammation.

Poor Posture on the Toilet

Poor posture while on the toilet can also play a role in hemorrhoid development. When sitting with the feet flat on the floor and the back straight, the rectum is constrained, increasing pressure on the veins. Putting the feet on a stool so the knees are raised can relax the rectum, helping to protect the veins from excessive pressure. 

CAUSES OF INTERNAL HEMORRHOIDS

Can Sitting on the Toilet Too Long Cause Hemorrhoids?

Sitting on the toilet for too long due to constipation can cause hemorrhoids or make existing ones worse. While on the toilet, the rectum is lower than the rest of the buttocks, which causes gravity to push on the veins and blood to pool. Pressure from straining during a bowel movement can cause the veins to swell.

Here are some tips to help reduce bowel-related strain:

• Limit toilet time to under 5 minutes. 
• Don’t use phones or read in the bathroom.
• Avoid forcing a bowel movement. Get up and try again later if you’re constipated.

How to Prevent Hemorrhoids if You Sit All Day

If you sit a lot, there are steps you can take to help prevent hemorrhoids. 

• Take regular breaks from sitting: Stand up or walk around every 30 to 60 minutes to help increase blood flow and reduce the pressure on the anal and rectal veins. 
• Use a cushioned seat: If you normally sit in a hard chair at work, consider sitting on a special cushion to help prevent hemorrhoids. A hemorrhoid cushion supports the perineum and elevates the legs to reduce pressure on the rectum.
• Maintain good posture: Keep your back straight instead of slouching. Slouching can put more pressure on the anal area.
• Stay hydrated and eat plenty of fiber: Staying hydrated and adding fiber to your diet can help prevent constipation. Constipation is one reason people end up sitting for longer on the toilet. Straining because of constipation can also cause hemorrhoids.
• Exercise regularly: Staying active improves blood circulation and reduces the impact of prolonged sitting. Walking, swimming, yoga, tennis, and dancing are all great activities to help prevent hemorrhoids.

Treatment Options for Hemorrhoids from Sitting

If hemorrhoids persist for more than a few days or worsen, procedures like hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE) can offer relief. HAE is a non-surgical procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. It targets the root cause of hemorrhoids by reducing blood flow to the swollen veins, causing them to shrink.

HAE is a low-risk, painless procedure with a short recovery time, and it’s a good treatment option for hemorrhoids that don’t heal on their own. 

Get Relief and Prevent Future Hemorrhoids

It is possible for hemorrhoids to develop from sitting too much. Prolonged sitting can also worsen hemorrhoids or slow healing. 

Making lifestyle changes to reduce sitting time, prevent constipation, and relieve pressure on anal and rectal veins can help prevent hemorrhoids from developing and ease the pain and discomfort caused by existing hemorrhoids. If hemorrhoid symptoms interfere with your daily life or persist, however, it’s important to see a hemorrhoid doctor for treatment. 

USA Hemorrhoid Centers is America’s leading network of hemorrhoid treatment centers. Our doctors have expertise in treating hemorrhoids non-surgically with HAE and can create a personalized treatment plan to help you get relief. Find a hemorrhoid center near you to schedule a consultation with one of our expert doctors. 

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FAQs

How do I know if my sitting habits are causing hemorrhoids?

If you notice hemorrhoid pain when sitting, discomfort, or other symptoms, such as itching or bleeding, you may have hemorrhoids. Your sitting habits might be the cause, or they could make existing hemorrhoids worse by weakening the veins and increasing swelling and inflammation. 

Are standing desks better for preventing hemorrhoids?

Standing desks are better than chairs for preventing hemorrhoids because they help you avoid prolonged sitting. There’s less pressure on anal and rectal veins when standing at a desk. 

Can exercise help with hemorrhoids caused by sitting?

Yes, exercise can help with hemorrhoids caused by sitting. Physical activity improves circulation and supports better vein health. 

Most adults aren’t strangers to hemorrhoids, which are ‘piles’ of veins and connective tissue around the anus that have become swollen and inflamed. Roughly 20% of the US population has been diagnosed with them.¹ Depending on the hemorrhoids’ stage, some people may experience no symptoms while others may suffer from chronic pain and discomfort.

Knowing which stage of hemorrhoids you have can help determine when and how they should be treated.

Doctors use a grading system to categorize hemorrhoids by their severity. These hemorrhoid stages, also known as hemorrhoid grades, are used to determine whether medical treatment is necessary and what type of procedure to use to treat them. 

You can’t necessarily confirm the hemorrhoid grading you have at home. A hemorrhoid doctor will need to give you a diagnosis after an exam.

However, you can get a good idea of how serious your hemorrhoids are by understanding the stages of hemorrhoids and what symptoms to expect with each one. 

What Is the Hemorrhoid Grading System?

The hemorrhoid grading system assigns a grade to internal hemorrhoids based on their severity. This system does not categorize external hemorrhoids. 

It’s important to first learn about the dentate line to better understand hemorrhoid grading and the difference between internal and external hemorrhoids.

The dentate line is where the rectum becomes the anal canal.² It’s a zig-zagging line that separates the two regions. The upper section — the rectum — is supplied by different nerve cells and has a different type of tissue lining than the lower section — the anal canal. 

• Internal hemorrhoids develop in the rectum or above the dentate line. 
• External hemorrhoids form under the skin along the anal canal or below the dentate line. 

The different grades of hemorrhoids relate to whether an internal hemorrhoid slips below the dentate line and protrudes outside of the anus and how difficult it is to move it inside again. This level of prolapse or slippage dictates what type of hemorrhoid treatment will be effective for alleviating symptoms and treating the hemorrhoid. 

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Understanding the 4 Grades of Hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids are classified into four grades, also referred to as stages. 

Here’s an overview of the symptoms of each stage and possible treatment options based on the grading. 

Grade 1 Hemorrhoid

A grade 1 hemorrhoid is an enlarged hemorrhoid that isn’t visible outside of the anus. They can fall below the dentate line into the anal canal, but they don’t protrude outside of the anus. These hemorrhoids aren’t usually painful but can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as bleeding and anal itching. 

Treatment for grade 1 hemorrhoids can include adding fiber to the diet and over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams to relieve the swelling, itching, and irritation. 

If a grade 1 hemorrhoid causes persistent symptoms after making lifestyle changes, your doctor might recommend a minimally invasive procedure to treat the hemorrhoids, such as hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE). This treatment is a painless procedure that is effective for grades 1 through 3. 

Grade 2 Hemorrhoid

A grade 2 hemorrhoid will prolapse or come out of the anus during straining from passing a stool or exercise. It then retracts to its original position on its own. 

This type of hemorrhoid can cause the same symptoms as a stage 1 hemorrhoid, including blood in the stool and itching or burning. It can also cause pain and discomfort when bulging outside of the anus, although this discomfort is temporary.

Treatment options for stage 2 hemorrhoids include non-surgical procedures, such as HAE, infrared coagulation, rubber band ligation, and sclerotherapy.

Your doctor might also recommend conservative treatment to start, such as using stool softeners, eating more fiber, or taking over-the-counter or prescription-strength hemorrhoid creams. The recommended treatment depends on the size of the hemorrhoid and the severity of symptoms, which is why it is suggested to consult a specialist. 

Grade 3 Hemorrhoid

A grade 3 hemorrhoid slips out of the anus due to straining, but it has to be manually returned to its position. It won’t go back inside the anal canal unless it’s pushed back inside. 

A stage 3 hemorrhoid can cause similar symptoms as stage 1 and 2 hemorrhoids, but it’s also more likely to be painful, especially when sitting down. 

Hemorrhoid treatment options include the same non-surgical procedures that are effective for grade 2 hemorrhoids. A doctor will assess your size to recommend the best treatment for you and see if you are a candidate for HAE.

Grade 4 Hemorrhoid

This type of hemorrhoid is permanently prolapsed. It’s always outside of the anus, which can cause severe pain, discomfort, and stress. A large grade 4 hemorrhoid can make even something as simple as sitting down difficult. 

A grade 4 hemorrhoid is more challenging to treat and typically requires a hemorrhoidectomy. This surgical option can be the most effective in serious cases — the recurrence rate after a hemorrhoidectomy is between 5 and 10%.³ However, it can cause complications, such as severe pain and loss of continence. Consulting a medical doctor is the best way to receive an accurate diagnosis for your hemorrhoid grade and to determine the best course of action for treating Stage 4 hemorrhoids.

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How to Determine Your Hemorrhoid Stage

Recognizing the typical symptoms of each stage can help you determine the grade of your hemorrhoids, while a doctor will be able to confirm and provide a treatment plan.

• Grade 1 hemorrhoids often cause bleeding, and they can cause anal itching.
• Grade 2 hemorrhoids will slip out of the anal canal, usually during a bowel movement. At that point, they might cause pain in addition to other internal hemorrhoid symptoms.
• Grade 3 hemorrhoids require manual replacement. If an internal hemorrhoid has fallen out of the anal canal and you can push it back in, it’s likely a grade 3. 
• Grade 4 hemorrhoids are always outside of the anus and can be very painful. 

When to Seek Treatment for Hemorrhoids

If you have symptoms of internal hemorrhoids, including blood in the stool, itching, and pressure when passing a stool, schedule a consultation with a hemorrhoid doctor near you. For symptoms that don’t go away after a few days of lifestyle changes to relieve hemorrhoids, consulting a doctor is recommended.

At USA Hemorrhoid Centers, our doctors will evaluate your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan to help relieve hemorrhoid symptoms. We offer hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE), which is a safe and effective treatment for grade 1, 2, and 3 hemorrhoids. Leaving hemorrhoids untreated can increase the risk of further progression and more intensive treatment, so it’s important to address hemorrhoids in the early stages. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can you tell the difference between a prolapsed internal hemorrhoid and an external hemorrhoid?

A prolapsed internal hemorrhoid will feel like a soft lump that’s visibly hanging outside of the anus. An external hemorrhoid develops under the skin in the anal canal and feels like a hard lump.

Do hemorrhoids get progressively worse?

Hemorrhoids that are left untreated can get progressively worse, causing more severe symptoms. They’re also less likely to respond to conservative treatments, such as changing your diet to include more fiber and stool softeners. 

At what stage should hemorrhoids be treated?

It’s best to treat hemorrhoids early on because they’re more responsive to treatment when they are at one of the earlier hemorrhoid stages. Schedule a consultation with a hemorrhoid doctor if you have symptoms of stage 1 or 2 hemorrhoids for more than a few days to prevent more severe symptoms from developing. 

Sources

1. Sandler, R. S., & Peery, A. F. (2019). Rethinking What We Know About Hemorrhoids. Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology: the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association, 17(1), 8–15. 
2. Lawrence A, McLaren ER. External Hemorrhoid. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. 
3. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Overview: Enlarged hemorrhoids. [Updated 2021 Dec 9]. 

Most people will develop hemorrhoids at some point in their lives. They’re the fourth most diagnosed issue affecting the gastrointestinal system, and they can affect almost anyone — men, women, the young, and old. In many of those cases, hemorrhoids will go away without treatment. In the United States, roughly 10 million people have hemorrhoids, yet only 60% of those are even symptomatic.¹

However, that doesn’t mean hemorrhoid symptoms should be overlooked. Leaving hemorrhoids untreated or delaying treatment can lead to worsening symptoms and potentially serious complications. Untreated hemorrhoids can also cause emotional stress and affect your quality of life. 

If you have hemorrhoids, it’s important to understand what can happen when they go untreated and when to see a doctor.

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What Are the Short-Term Effects of Untreated Hemorrhoids?

In the short term, untreated hemorrhoids can cause increased discomfort and pain. The inflammation and swelling can get worse, making the hemorrhoids larger and more uncomfortable.

It might also become more and more challenging to do everyday activities, like sitting down to work, eat a meal, or use the bathroom. Even walking around can become uncomfortable if a large external hemorrhoid exists or an internal hemorrhoid becomes prolapsed (falls out of the anus). 

What Are the Long-term Risks of Leaving Hemorrhoids Untreated?

In the long term, untreated hemorrhoids can also put a person at risk for complications. 

Anal Fissures

An anal fissure is a tear in the tissue lining the anal canal. Hemorrhoids don’t directly cause anal fissures, but the chronic irritation to anal tissue from an untreated hemorrhoid can lead to a tear. This complication can cause sharp pain and bleeding, making dealing with hemorrhoids even more challenging. 

Thrombosis

A thrombosed hemorrhoid is a hemorrhoid with a blood clot. Thrombosed hemorrhoids can cause excruciating pain and become very swollen. If it keeps filling with blood and other fluids, it can burst and lead to intense bleeding. A burst hemorrhoid can also cause nausea, dizziness, and abdominal pain. 

Anemia

The main symptom of internal hemorrhoids is blood in the stool. Over time, this blood loss can become more frequent and severe, increasing the risk of anemia. 

With anemia, there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen to the body’s tissues. This can cause weakness and fatigue. 

Infection

Another major risk of untreated hemorrhoids is an infection. Hemorrhoids that persist for years can develop open sores and become infected. Thrombosed hemorrhoids can also become infected if the blood supply is cut off. An infection caused by hemorrhoids might require antibiotics or other medical treatment. 

Leaving a hemorrhoid untreated can also cause psychological distress. Having a large, swollen lump near the anus can make someone feel self-conscious. The persistent pain and discomfort can be stressful, and the feeling of embarrassment can lead to social withdrawal. 

It’s important to know that hemorrhoids aren’t something to be ashamed of. With today’s medical technology, there are safe, effective, non-surgical ways to treat hemorrhoids, allowing people to get relief without having to remove rectal tissue or undergo a painful surgical procedure.

At USA Hemorrhoid Centers, we offer hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE), a non-surgical procedure with a short recovery time and low risk of complications. 

When to See a Hemorrhoid Doctor

If symptoms like itching, bleeding, and pain from hemorrhoids don’t decrease after one week, it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation with a specialist. Hemorrhoids can last for months or even years, and they can affect your health and your self-esteem. They can also be more challenging to treat as they become more severe, so getting treatment early is recommended. 

USA Hemorrhoid Centers is a leading network of hemorrhoid centers specializing in internal hemorrhoid treatment. Our team of expert doctors takes the time to determine the best treatment for each individual and develops a personalized treatment plan to help them experience symptom relief and prevent future hemorrhoids. 

We have locations nationwide. Find a clinic near you today and schedule a consultation, or call 855.805.4247. Our treatment centers accept most types of insurance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long do hemorrhoids last if untreated?

Minor hemorrhoids can take a few days to heal and respond well to at-home remedies like increasing fiber intake, drinking more water, and topical creams or ointments. Moderate to severe hemorrhoids can persist for weeks, months, or longer. Once they’ve become enlarged and more severe, they’re less likely to go away without medical treatment.

Are untreated hemorrhoids dangerous?

In minor cases, untreated hemorrhoids aren’t dangerous. However, serious health issues resulting from hemorrhoids do happen — they are responsible for 3.3 million ambulatory visits in the US each year.²

These swollen veins, if ignored for too long, can lead to potentially dangerous complications and cause serious symptoms, including severe pain, discomfort, and blood loss.

Do untreated hemorrhoids cause colon cancer?

Hemorrhoids don’t cause colon cancer. However, there are studies suggesting that people with hemorrhoids are at a higher risk for colon cancer.³

Are untreated hemorrhoids likely to reoccur?

Hemorrhoids can reoccur if there’s more pressure on the veins near the anus and rectum. Straining during bowel movements, pregnancy, and pressure from being overweight can also contribute to the development of new hemorrhoids.

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Sources

1. Sun, Z., & Migaly, J. (2016). Review of Hemorrhoid Disease: Presentation and Management. Clinics in colon and rectal surgery, 29(1), 22–29. 
2. Kibret, A. A., Oumer, M., & Moges, A. M. (2021). Prevalence and associated factors of hemorrhoids among adult patients visiting the surgical outpatient department, in the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. PloS one, 16(4), e0249736. 
3. Wu, E. B., Sung, F. C., Lin, C. L., Wu, K. L., & Chen, K. B. (2021). Colorectal Cancer Risk in Patients with Hemorrhoids: A 10-Year Population-Based Retrospective Cohort Study. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(16), 8655.