Does Holding in Poop Cause Hemorrhoids?

Does Holding in Poop Cause Hemorrhoids?

Personally Researched | Last Updated: July 2026 | Based on Clinical Studies & Personal Experience.

Most people have held in a bowel movement at some point. 

Maybe you were stuck in a meeting, on a long car ride, or just didn't want to use a public bathroom. 

It feels harmless. 

But if you do this often, you might wonder if it can hurt your body — and more specifically, if it can cause hemorrhoids.

Holding in poop can raise your risk of hemorrhoids, especially if it becomes a regular habit. 

In this article, we'll explain how this happens, What Hemorrhoids Are, and simple steps you can take to protect your gut health.

How Holding in Poop Affects Your Body

When you feel the urge to poop but hold it in, your body doesn't just "wait" quietly. 

Here's what actually happens:

1. The stool sits longer in the colon

The longer stool stays inside, the more water your body absorbs from it. 

This makes the stool harder and drier, which makes it more difficult to pass later.

Consistency matters more than intensity when it comes to fiber — check out our picks for these Preferred Fiber Supplements to make it a sustainable habit.

2. You end up straining more

Hard stool needs more effort to push out. 

This straining puts extra pressure on the veins in your rectum and anus — the exact veins that turn into hemorrhoids when they get too much pressure.

Softer stools mean less straining and less pressure on swollen veins — see our guide to the Five Best Stool Softeners for hemorrhoids to find one that fits your situation, whether that's pregnancy, recovery, or everyday use.

3. It can lead to constipation

Repeatedly ignoring the urge to go can confuse your body's natural signals over time. 

This can lead to Chronic Constipation, which is one of the most common Causes of Hemorrhoids.

So, holding in poop once in a while probably won't hurt you. 

But doing it often creates a cycle: harder stool, more straining, and higher pressure on the veins — all of which raise your risk of hemorrhoids.

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Other Causes of Hemorrhoids

Holding in poop is just one piece of the puzzle. Other common causes and risk factors include:

• Straining during bowel movements for any reason
• Sitting on the toilet for too long
• A diet low in fiber
• Not drinking enough water
• Being overweight
• Pregnancy
• Heavy lifting
• Aging (veins lose strength over time)

Because hemorrhoids often have more than one cause, fixing just one habit — like not holding in poop — may not be enough on its own. 

It helps to look at your overall bathroom habits and diet.

Not getting enough fiber from food alone is common, and supplements can help close that gap — see our comparison of 5 Top-Rated Fiber Supplements for softer, easier bowel movements.

How to Avoid Hemorrhoids Caused by Holding It In

Fortunately, this is very preventable by trying these simple habits:

Go when you feel the urge

Try not to delay a bowel movement if you can help it. Waiting too long makes stool harder to pass.

Eat more fiber

Fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains help keep stool soft and easy to pass. This means less straining.

Drink enough water

Water helps keep stool soft too. Aim for enough fluids throughout the day, not just at meals.

Don't strain or rush

Give your body time to pass stool naturally instead of pushing hard.

Limit toilet time

Try not to sit on the toilet for long periods, especially while scrolling on your phone. This adds unnecessary pressure to the area.

Stay active

Regular movement helps keep your digestive system working smoothly and lowers the chance of constipation.

Moving more isn't just good for hemorrhoid prevention — it benefits your whole body. Here's a rundown of the Health Benefits of Physical Activity worth knowing.

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When to See a Doctor

Most hemorrhoids get better on their own with simple home care. But you should see a doctor if you notice:

• Bleeding that doesn't stop or happens often
• Severe pain
• A lump that doesn't go away
• Changes in bowel habits that last more than a few weeks

These symptoms can sometimes point to other conditions, so it's best to get checked rather than guess.

From medical guides to personal recovery stories, we rounded up 10 Books Worth Reading if you want to go beyond the basics.

Conclusion

Holding in poop from time to time isn't a big deal. But making it a habit can lead to harder stool, more straining, and a higher chance of developing hemorrhoids. 

The best way to protect yourself is simple: listen to your body, go when you feel the urge, eat enough fiber, drink plenty of water, and avoid straining. 

These small daily habits go a long way in keeping your gut — and your hemorrhoids — under control.

If Symptoms don't improve or get worse, don't hesitate to talk to a doctor. 

Hemorrhoids are common and treatable, and there's no need to feel embarrassed about asking for help.

📑 Related Articles

1. 40 Most asked Questions about Hemorrhoids.
2. 10 Natural Hemorrhoid Remedies You Should Try 
3. 7 Hemorrhoid Symptoms You Should Not Ignore 
4. 7 Best Hemorrhoid Relief Creams Compared.
5. 5 Donut Pillows that Help with Hemorrhoids.
6. 7 Best Hemorrhoid Squatty Potty Toilet Foot Stools.
7. 10 High-Fiber Foods That Relieve Constipation Naturally

📚 Medical Sources

1. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) — Hemorrhoids: Symptoms & Causes. 
2. NIDDK — Hemorrhoids: Definition & Facts. 
3. NIDDK — Eating, Diet, & Nutrition for Hemorrhoids. 
4. Cleveland Clinic — Hemorrhoids: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment. 
5. GoodRx Health — Hemorrhoid Creams and Treatments: What Works Best. 
6. U.S. News & World Report (Pharmacist-Reviewed) — Best Hemorrhoid Creams and Treatments. 
7. Cleveland Clinic — Hemorrhoids
8. NIDDK — Hemorrhoids
9. Harvard Health Publishing — Hemorrhoids and What to Do About Them