Can Diarrhea Cause Hemorrhoids?

This article explains how diarrhea can contribute to hemorrhoids, what's happening in your body, and what you can do to find relief and prevent it from happening again.

How Diarrhea Can Cause Hemorrhoids

Frequent, Urgent Bowel Movements Irritate the Area

Diarrhea means going to the bathroom more often, sometimes urgently. 

Each episode puts the anal area through repeated friction, straining, and pressure, which can irritate existing hemorrhoids or contribute to new ones forming over time.

Inflammation From Loose Stool

Loose or watery stool can be more irritating to the delicate lining of the anal canal than firmer stool. 

Repeated exposure to this kind of inflammation is thought to be a real contributing factor in the development of hemorrhoidal disease, not just a coincidence.

Straining Isn't Just a Constipation Problem

It's a common myth that straining only happens with constipation. With diarrhea, people often strain too — either to control urgency or because of cramping and the sensation of not fully emptying the bowels. 

This straining increases pressure on the veins around the anus, the same mechanism that causes hemorrhoids from constipation.

Prolonged Sitting on the Toilet

Frequent trips to the bathroom, especially during a stomach bug or a flare of a digestive condition, mean more cumulative time sitting on the toilet. This position alone increases pressure on the rectal veins, which can contribute to swelling.

Underlying Conditions That Cause Chronic Diarrhea

Chronic diarrhea — lasting more than four weeks — is often linked to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis. 

People with these conditions tend to have significantly higher rates of hemorrhoids, likely due to the combination of frequent bowel movements, straining, and inflammation these conditions cause.

Diarrhea vs. Constipation: Which Is Worse for Hemorrhoids?

Both extremes of bowel habits can trigger or worsen hemorrhoids, just through slightly different mechanisms:

• Constipation causes hard stool, which requires more forceful straining to pass.
• Diarrhea causes frequent, urgent bowel movements and repeated irritation of the anal tissue.

The common thread is disruption to a normal, well-formed, easy-to-pass bowel movement. Anything that pulls your bowel habits away from that middle ground can put you at higher risk.

How to Manage Hemorrhoids Caused by Diarrhea

Address the underlying cause. 

If diarrhea is ongoing, talk to a doctor about what's causing it, whether it's a stomach bug, food intolerance, IBS, or another condition.

Diarrhea can lead to fluid loss, so replacing fluids supports overall gut health and recovery.

Once diarrhea has settled, a fiber-rich diet helps normalize stool consistency going forward.

Soaking the anal area in warm water for 10–15 minutes can soothe irritation from both frequent wiping and inflammation.

Gently pat (rather than rub) after bowel movements, and consider using unscented, alcohol-free wipes if toilet paper feels too abrasive.

Don't push or rush — let your body do the work at its own pace.

When to See a Doctor

Reach out to a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Diarrhea lasting more than a few days, or chronic diarrhea lasting weeks
• Rectal bleeding, especially if it's heavy, persistent, or accompanied by dark or tarry stools
• Severe pain or a hard, swollen lump near the anus
• Hemorrhoid symptoms that don't improve with home care after about a week
• Signs of dehydration, such as dizziness or reduced urination

Since hemorrhoid symptoms can overlap with more serious digestive conditions, it's worth getting persistent diarrhea properly evaluated rather than assuming it will resolve on its own.

Conclusion

Yes, diarrhea absolutely can cause or worsen hemorrhoids. 

Frequent bowel movements, straining, inflammation from loose stool, and extra time spent on the toilet all put pressure and irritation on the same veins responsible for hemorrhoid symptoms. 

Fortunately, treating the underlying cause of diarrhea, staying hydrated, and easing back into a fiber-rich diet can help both your digestive system and your hemorrhoids recover. 

If diarrhea or hemorrhoid symptoms persist, don't hesitate to check in with a healthcare provider — getting to the root cause is the fastest path to lasting relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a single bout of diarrhea cause hemorrhoids? 

It's possible, especially if it involves significant straining or urgency, but hemorrhoids are more commonly linked to chronic or recurring diarrhea rather than a single short episode.

2. Is diarrhea or constipation worse for hemorrhoids? 

Both can trigger or worsen hemorrhoids through different mechanisms — constipation through straining against hard stool, and diarrhea through frequent irritation and urgency-related straining. Neither is definitively "worse"; both disrupt normal, easy bowel movements.

3. How long does it take for hemorrhoids from diarrhea to heal? 

Once the diarrhea resolves and irritation stops, many hemorrhoids improve within about a week with basic home care like sitz baths and gentle hygiene.

4. Can IBS or IBD cause ongoing hemorrhoid problems? 

Yes. Conditions like IBS and ulcerative colitis are associated with higher rates of hemorrhoids due to frequent diarrhea, constipation, and straining. Managing the underlying condition is key to reducing hemorrhoid flare-ups.

5. Should I stop wiping so much if diarrhea is irritating my hemorrhoids? 

Frequent wiping can add to irritation. Patting gently, using unscented wipes, or rinsing with water can reduce friction on already-sensitive skin.

6. When should I worry about bleeding along with diarrhea? 

Any rectal bleeding alongside diarrhea, especially if it's heavy, recurring, or paired with dark/tarry stools, should be evaluated by a doctor to rule out other causes.

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📚 Medical Sources

1. Mayo Clinic — Hemorrhoids
2. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) — Hemorrhoids
3. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons — Hemorrhoids
4. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), Treatment of Hemorrhoids 
5. Healthline – IBS and Hemorrhoids: What's the Link?
6. Healthline – Ulcerative Colitis and Hemorrhoids
7. Texas A&M Vital Record – What Causes Hemorrhoids
8. Cleveland Clinic, Hemorrhoids: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment 
9. Harvard Health Publishing, Hemorrhoids and what to do about them
10. Diseases of the Colon & Rectum (Springer) – Diarrheal Disorders and Hemorrhoidal Disease