Are Hemorrhoids Hereditary?
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| Are Hemorrhoids Hereditary? |
Last Updated: June 2026 | Medically Reviewed | Based on Clinical Research
If someone in your family has had hemorrhoids, you might be wondering:
Could you be next?
It's a fair question.
While hemorrhoids are not directly passed down like eye color, your genetics can absolutely influence your risk.
What makes hemorrhoids develop?
Hemorrhoids happen when the veins around your rectum and anus get swollen and irritated.
This can be caused by straining, sitting for long periods, chronic constipation, pregnancy, or simply aging.
But your genes can also play a role in how vulnerable those veins are in the first place
The genetic connection
Research suggests that weak connective tissue — the stuff that supports your veins and keeps them in place — can run in families.
If your parents or grandparents had weak vein walls or connective tissue, you may have inherited the same tendency.
This doesn't mean you will definitely get hemorrhoids, but it does mean your veins may be more prone to swelling under pressure.
Some studies have also found that varicose veins (swollen veins in the legs) tend to run in families, and hemorrhoids are essentially the same problem in a different location.
So if varicose veins are common in your family, your risk of hemorrhoids may be higher too.
Genes are not destiny
Even if hemorrhoids run in your family, your lifestyle choices matter a lot.
Many people with a genetic predisposition never develop hemorrhoids because they maintain healthy habits.
And many people with no family history develop them due to poor diet, straining, or a sedentary lifestyle.
What you can do to lower your risk
Eat more fiber.
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains keeps stools soft and reduces straining.
Aim for 25–35 grams of fiber per day.
Drink plenty of water.
Staying hydrated helps prevent constipation.
Don't sit on the toilet too long.
Avoid reading or scrolling on your phone while on the toilet — the position itself puts extra pressure on rectal veins.
Exercise regularly.
Movement keeps your digestive system working well and reduces pressure in your lower body.
Avoid straining.
If you feel the urge to go, go. Waiting too long or pushing too hard are key triggers.
Conclusion
So, are hemorrhoids hereditary? Partly, yes. Your genes can make you more susceptible by affecting the strength of your connective tissue and veins. But your daily habits have an even bigger impact. Knowing your family history is useful — it gives you a reason to be proactive. Start with simple lifestyle changes and you can significantly reduce your risk, no matter what your genes say.
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📚 Medical sources
- Zheng T, et al. (2021). Genome-wide analysis of 944,133 individuals provides insights into the etiology of hemorrhoidal disease. Gut (BMJ). Karolinska Institutet / Kiel University.
https://gut.bmj.com/content/70/9/1538 - Wroclaw Medical University review (2025). How Can Molecules Induce Hemorrhoids? The Role of Genetics and Epigenetics in Hemorrhoidal Disease. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (MDPI / PubMed). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41096663/
- De Marco S, Tiso D. (2021). Lifestyle and Risk Factors in Hemorrhoidal Disease. Frontiers in Surgery. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8416428/
- Peery AF, et al. (2015). Risk Factors for Hemorrhoids on Screening Colonoscopy. PLOS ONE.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4583402/ - Mayo Clinic. Hemorrhoids — Symptoms & Causes.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes/syc-20360268
