Are Hemorrhoids Contagious?
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| Are Hemorrhoids Contagious? |
Personally Researched | Last Updated: June 2026 | Based on Clinical Studies & Personal Experience.
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.
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.
Since misinformation is common, it's worth reading our breakdown of Myths and Facts you Need to Know about Hemorrhoids to separate what's true from what's not.
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. See our list of 10 Best High-Fiber Foods to relieve constipation naturally.
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Obesity
- Aging (connective tissue weakens over time)
- Heavy lifting with improper technique
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.
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"
- NHS — "Piles (Haemorrhoids)"
- American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) — "Hemorrhoids: Expanded Information"
- CDC — "Genital HPV Infection: Basic Fact Sheet" — relevant for distinguishing hemorrhoids from contagious conditions like anal warts
- PubMed / NCBI — Lohsiriwat V. "Hemorrhoids: From basic pathophysiology to clinical management." World J Gastroenterol. 2012;18(17):2009–2017
