What Happens If You Ignore Hemorrhoids?
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| What Happens If You Ignore Hemorrhoids? |
Last Updated: June 2026 | Medically Reviewed | Based on Clinical Research
Hemorrhoids can be embarrassing to talk about, and many people hope they'll just go away on their own.
Sometimes they do.
But ignoring hemorrhoids — especially for a long time — can lead to complications that are much harder to deal with.
Here's what can happen.
They can get worse
Hemorrhoids don't always go away without treatment.
If the underlying causes — straining, constipation, prolonged sitting — aren't addressed, they tend to get bigger and more painful over time.
What starts as mild itching or occasional bleeding can become a persistent, painful condition.
They can bleed more
Minor bleeding during bowel movements is common with hemorrhoids.
But if left untreated, hemorrhoids can bleed more frequently and heavily.
In some cases, this can lead to anemia — a condition where you don't have enough red blood cells — causing fatigue, weakness, and dizziness.
They can become thrombosed
An external hemorrhoid can develop a blood clot inside it.
This is called a thrombosed hemorrhoid.
It causes sudden, severe pain and swelling, and often feels like a hard lump near your anus.
This is a more urgent condition that usually requires medical treatment.
They can prolapse
Internal hemorrhoids that are left untreated can eventually prolapse — meaning they push through the anal opening.
In mild cases, they go back in on their own.
In more severe cases, they need to be pushed back manually, or may no longer go back in at all.
Prolapsed hemorrhoids are painful and significantly affect quality of life.
The bleeding might not just be hemorrhoids
This is important. Rectal bleeding can also be a sign of something more serious, such as colorectal cancer or polyps.
If you notice blood and haven't been evaluated by a doctor, don't assume it's hemorrhoids.
Get checked.
Catching something serious early makes a huge difference.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if:
- You have rectal bleeding (even if you think it's just hemorrhoids)
- Your pain is severe or getting worse
- You notice a lump near your anus that doesn't go away
- Home treatments haven't helped after two weeks.
Conclusion
Ignoring hemorrhoids might seem like the easy option, but it can turn a manageable condition into a painful and complicated one.
Most hemorrhoids respond very well to simple lifestyle changes and early treatment.
The sooner you address them, the easier they are to treat.
Don't wait — talk to your doctor.
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📚 Medical sources
- Mayo Clinic — Hemorrhoids
- Cleveland Clinic — Hemorrhoids
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases — Hemorrhoids
