How Long Do Hemorrhoids Last Before They Go Away Completely?

Andy Paras

10 Apr, 2025

How Long Do Hemorrhoids Last?

Personally Researched | Last Updated: [June 2026] | Based on Clinical Studies & Personal Experience.

Hemorrhoids is a very common health concern that can cause discomfort and pain.

While many people experience hemorrhoids once in their lifetime, they can sometimes return.

Understanding the causes of recurring hemorrhoids is essential for preventing future flare-ups.

In this article, we'll explore how long hemorrhoids last, what contributes to their reappearance, and the treatment options available.

How Long Do Hemorrhoids Last

Hemorrhoids happen because of repeated pressure on the veins in the rectal or anal area.

When this pressure increases, blood starts to build up, causing the veins to swell and the surrounding tissue to stretch.

Unfortunately, there is no exact time frame, as the duration varies from person to person.

🟢 Small Hemorrhoids: May go away on their own in a few days. Changes in diet and lifestyle often help significantly.

🟠 Larger Hemorrhoids: May take several days or weeks before symptoms fully resolve.

🔴 Hemorrhoids with Prolapse: Can take longer to heal and may require medical treatment to resolve fully.

⚠️ See your doctor immediately if you experience: bright red rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or dark or tarry stools (which may indicate bleeding higher in the digestive tract).

Dietary & Lifestyle Changes That Help

If you regularly suffer from hemorrhoids, making changes to your diet and lifestyle can help reduce pain and prevent recurrence.

Dietary Changes

Drink more fluids — staying hydrated softens stools and reduces straining

Eat fiber-rich foods — fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and beans to reduce Hemorrhoids bleeding and improve overall symptoms.

Here is a list of the top 10 High-Fiber Foods that help relieve constipation.

If getting enough fiber from food alone is a challenge, a daily fiber supplement (such as Metamucil Psyllium Husk Fiber).

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Metamucil is America's #1 fiber brand — and this unflavored psyllium powder does more than prevent constipation. Its 4-in-1 formula supports digestive health, appetite control, heart health by lowering cholesterol, and healthy blood sugar levels. For hemorrhoid sufferers, the daily fiber keeps stools soft and regular, drastically reducing the straining that causes and worsens flare-ups. 114 servings per canister with no added sweeteners.

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Benefiber Prebiotic Fiber Supplement, both consistently among Amazon's best-selling digestive fiber supplements) can help soften stool and ease straining.

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Benefiber goes beyond basic fiber — it's a prebiotic fiber that not only softens stools to reduce straining, but also nourishes the good bacteria in your gut for better long-term digestive health. It dissolves clear in any liquid without changing the texture or flavor. 250 servings per canister makes it one of the longest-lasting fiber supplements available. A great daily habit for preventing hemorrhoids.

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Lifestyle Changes

✓ Avoid straining during bowel movements

✓ Regular exercise to stimulate bowel function

✓ Warm sitz baths to relieve pain and swelling

A dedicated sitz bath basin, such as the Fivona Sitz Bath Seat or the Prosperity Sitz Bath Kit — both top sellers in Amazon's sitz bath category — makes it easier to take a proper warm soak without needing a full tub.

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If you've been spending too much time on the toilet, it might be worth rethinking that habit — and a sitz bath offers a healthier alternative. Rather than lingering on the seat, this shallow basin fits right over the toilet bowl and lets you take a warm, soothing soak designed to clean and calm the anal area, all without the strain or pressure that comes from prolonged sitting. It's commonly recommended for hemorrhoid relief and general post-bathroom care, and keeping one on hand makes it simple to swap in a quick, restorative soak instead of sitting for too long.

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(*) As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability may vary.

Over-the-Counter Remedies

Several over-the-counter options can help relieve hemorrhoid symptoms:

Flavonoids (e.g., HemovelMD): Bioactive compounds that help reduce pain, swelling, and bleeding.

Topical Treatments (e.g., Nitroglycerin): Reduces rectal pain caused by dilated hemorrhoids (hemorrhoids filled with blood clots).

Astringents (e.g., Witch Hazel): Help treat mild hemorrhoid symptoms and reduce irritation.

Decongestants (e.g., Phenylephrine): Shrink blood vessels to relieve burning sensations and swelling.

Popular Amazon picks in this category (per Amazon's Best Sellers in Hemorrhoid Pain Relief Products, current as of mid‑2026):

Preparation H Rapid Relief Cream with Lidocaine↗ — a fast-numbing option for swelling, pain, burning, and itching.

Tucks Triple Relief Hemorrhoidal Cream↗ — combines witch hazel with maximum-strength relief for burning and itching; commonly used in hospitals.

Frida Mom Witch Hazel Perineal Healing Foam↗ — a witch hazel-based cooling foam, popular for postpartum and general hemorrhoid discomfort.

WELMATE 5% Lidocaine Hemorrhoid Cream↗ — a fragrance-free, maximum-strength numbing option formulated for sensitive skin.

Preparation H Suppositories↗ — a widely used option for internal hemorrhoid relief, holding a strong overall rating on Amazon.

As always, check the active ingredients against your symptoms and talk to a pharmacist or doctor if you're unsure which is right for you, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, or on other medications.

Can Hemorrhoids Come Back?

For some people, hemorrhoids can return. Common reasons for recurrence include:

→ Poor diet (lack of fiber)

→ Obesity

→ Straining during bowel movements

→ Diarrhea

→ Pregnancy

→ Sitting on the toilet for long periods

Medical Treatment Options

Rubber Band Ligation: A common procedure for internal hemorrhoids.

A small rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid to shrink it and the surrounding tissue.

Typically done every 4 to 6 weeks and is effective in 8 out of 10 patients.

Hemorrhoidectomy: for 3rd- and 4th-degree hemorrhoids. a surgical removal of blood vessels around both internal and external hemorrhoids.

Reserved for cases where rubber band ligation doesn't work. Has a low complication rate and heals well in 95% of cases.

🩺 When Should You See a Doctor

Hemorrhoid symptoms may indicate other underlying health issues, including colorectal cancer. See a healthcare provider if you experience:

→ Significant or prolonged rectal bleeding

→ Dark brown or black blood in your stool

→ Weakness or fatigue

→ Unexplained weight loss

→ Abdominal cramps or pain

It's important to consult a healthcare professional who can provide personalized recommendations based on your age, health condition, and medical history.

Conclusion

Hemorrhoids are very common. While they are generally not serious, they can be extremely irritating and often painful.

The duration varies from person to person — but rest assured, there are over-the-counter remedies and medical options available to treat them at any stage.

With the right dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and medical care when needed, most people can find lasting relief.

📑 Related Articles

🛒 Hemorrhoids Related Products

Do Sitz Baths Really Work For Hemorrhoids
7 Best Hemorrhoid Relief Creams Compared.
5 Donut Pillows that Help with Hemorrhoids.
7 Best Hemorrhoid Squatty Potty Toilet Foot Stools.
The 5 Best Standing Desks for Hemorrhoids.
10 Best Hemorrhoid Related Books.
The 5 Best Stool Softeners for Constipation

📚 Medical Sources

Cleveland Clinic – Hemorrhoid Banding (Rubber Band Ligation) — notes that most studies find rubber band ligation to be 70% to 80% effective, supporting the article's figure for this procedure.
Cleveland Clinic – Hemorrhoidectomy: Surgery, Recovery & Complications — reports a 95% success rate where other treatments have failed, consistent with the article's figure.
Mayo Clinic – Hemorrhoids: Symptoms and Causes — confirms common risk factors for hemorrhoids, including straining, prolonged sitting, low-fiber diets, obesity, pregnancy, and chronic constipation or diarrhea.
Mayo Clinic – Hemorrhoids: Diagnosis and Treatment — covers the range of effective options for easing hemorrhoid discomfort, including dietary, lifestyle, and medical treatments.
WebMD (reviewed by physicians) – Hemorrhoid Treatment for Internal, External, or Bleeding Hemorrhoids — describes rubber band ligation and other office-based procedures used when home treatment doesn't resolve symptoms.
Medical News Today (medically reviewed) – Hemorrhoids: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments — outlines OTC options such as witch hazel, zinc oxide, and analgesics, and reviews nonsurgical procedures including rubber band ligation and sclerotherapy.