Are Hemorrhoids Contagious?
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| Are Hemorrhoids Contagious? |
Last Updated: June 2026 | Medically Reviewed | Based on Clinical Research
If you're worried that you caught hemorrhoids from someone — or that you might pass them on — you can breathe a sigh of relief.
Hemorrhoids are not contagious.
You cannot get them from another person, and you cannot give them to anyone else.
Let's explain why.
What hemorrhoids actually are?
Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels (veins) located in and around your rectum and anus.
They form when pressure builds up in that area — from straining, sitting for long periods, pregnancy, or a low-fiber diet.
They are a structural issue with your own blood vessels, not an infection.
Because hemorrhoids are not caused by a virus, bacteria, or any other pathogen, there is nothing to "catch" or "spread."
They are purely a result of how your body responds to certain kinds of pressure and lifestyle factors.
Read Also: Do Sitz Baths Really Work For Hemorrhoids
Common Misconceptions
Some people confuse hemorrhoids with conditions that are contagious, like anal warts (caused by HPV) or herpes, which can look similar at first glance.
If you're unsure what you're dealing with, it's always worth seeing a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Don't self-diagnose a condition that could require a different kind of treatment.
Read also: 7 Best Hemorrhoid Squatty Potty Toilet Foot Stools.
What actually causes hemorrhoids?
The real causes are internal and lifestyle-related:
- Chronic Constipation or diarrhea
- Straining during bowel movements
- Sitting on the toilet for too long
- Low-fiber diet. Check a list of: (10 high fiber foods relieve constipation naturally)
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Obesity
- Aging (connective tissue weakens over time)
- Heavy lifting with improper technique
Read also: 7 Best Hemorrhoid Relief Creams Compared.
Can you give yourself hemorrhoids again?
Yes — in the sense that if the habits that caused your hemorrhoids in the first place don't change, they are likely to come back.
This is why treating the root cause is so important, not just the symptoms.
Read also: 5 Donut Pillows that Help with Hemorrhoids.
Conclusion
Hemorrhoids are not contagious in any way.
They can't be passed through sexual contact, shared bathrooms, or any other kind of contact.
They are a common, internal condition caused by pressure and lifestyle factors.
The best thing you can do is focus on the habits that prevent them — a high-fiber diet, proper hydration, regular movement, and smart toilet habits — and see a doctor if you're unsure about any symptoms.
📑 Reated articles
📚 Medical Sources
- Mayo Clinic — "Hemorrhoids: Symptoms & Causes"
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes/syc-20360268 - NHS — "Piles (Haemorrhoids)"
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/haemorrhoids/ - American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) — "Hemorrhoids: Expanded Information"
https://fascrs.org/patients/diseases-and-conditions/a-z/hemorrhoids-expanded-information - CDC — "Genital HPV Infection: Basic Fact Sheet" — relevant for distinguishing hemorrhoids from contagious conditions like anal warts
https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm - PubMed / NCBI — Lohsiriwat V. "Hemorrhoids: From basic pathophysiology to clinical management." World J Gastroenterol. 2012;18(17):2009–2017
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22563187/
