How Your Bathroom Habits Are Making Your Hemorrhoids Worse

Hemorrhoids don't appear out of nowhere. In the vast majority of cases, they develop because of repeated behaviors that put chronic strain on the blood vessels in and around the rectum. Some of these behaviors happen in the bathroom. And the good news is: you can change them starting today.

Straining is the most damaging bathroom habit for hemorrhoids. When you push hard, you dramatically increase intra-abdominal pressure, forcing blood into the rectal veins. Repeat this regularly and those veins enlarge, weaken, and become hemorrhoids.

Straining is almost always a sign of constipation, which is almost always a sign of not enough fiber, not enough water, or both. Fixing the root cause — softer stools that pass easily — eliminates the need to strain at all.

This one surprises people. Sitting on a toilet seat keeps the anal area in a dependent, unsupported position. The longer you sit, the more blood pools in the rectal veins. Research has directly linked prolonged toilet sitting — especially with reading or phone use — to higher rates of hemorrhoid development.

Target: go when the urge is there, take a few minutes, and leave. Leave your phone outside the bathroom if that's what it takes.

Suppressing the urge — because you're busy, not at home, or don't want to use a public restroom — keeps stool in the colon longer. The longer it sits, the more water the colon absorbs from it, making it harder and more difficult to pass. Harder stools require more straining. You see the cycle.

Dry toilet paper used with force irritates perianal skin, can cause small abrasions, and directly aggravates hemorrhoid symptoms. Switching to unscented, alcohol-free moist wipes or — even better — a bidet makes a meaningful difference. If you use dry paper, blot gently rather than wiping.

Fragranced soaps, antibacterial cleansers, and scented wipes are a common and underappreciated cause of perianal irritation. The skin in that area is sensitive. Less is more: plain unscented soap and water (or a bidet), rinse thoroughly, pat dry gently.

More fiber. More water. Prompt response to the urge to go. Less time on the toilet. Gentler hygiene. These five things address the most common causes of hemorrhoid development and worsening. They don't cost anything, and you can start right now.

If symptoms are already established, habits alone won't resolve them — but they will stop making things worse while you get proper treatment. Dr. Chung can help with the rest.